As the school year draws to a close, so do the after-school activities. Sometimes when you're ferrying kids around to their various interests, just hanging out at home becomes the exception rather than the norm.

So before committing my children to anything next year I wanted to find out how important extra-curricular activities are.

Pam Linke from Early Childhood Australia says it's most important that your child has time to play.

'When you consider most of their school day and some of their time at home is programmed, playtime is hugely important,' she says. 'They learn through play and develop skills such as negotiating relationships, reflecting and using their imagination.'

Children also need time with their parents. 'Even if it's only a quarter of an hour each day, children benefit from doing something they like with their parents,' Pam says. 'They'll
feel relaxed and comfortable and also be more open to learning.'

Many things can be learnt at home and with younger children, so it may not be necessary to sign them up to a structured activity.

While parents may feel pressure to enrol their kids in a few activities, and do so with the best intentions, Pam emphasises what a child does out of school has to be for them.

'Don't force a child to do something in their free or spare time that they don't want to do,' she advises. 'There is no value in pushing.'

Too many activities can result in a tired and stressed child. Children don't learn as well when they feel stressed. Doing so much for our kids means they won't develop their own interests
and they won't have the chance to be bored.

Kathy Walker, author of What's The Hurry?, says being bored is a valuable part of childhood.

'If a parent says their child is bored, I tell them: "Congratulations! It means you've been at home for longer than one hour,"' Kathy says.

From the moment our babies are born, we're inundated with ways to hone their skills. Music, swimming, gym - it all adds up, and if you're not involved it's easy to feel your child is missing out.

Give your child a good start:
The following are educationalist Kathy Walker's suggestions

0-3 years

Forget structured activities. Encourage kids to explore their home and environment with their parent or carer. Swimming is good.

3-6 years

One activity per week is enough. Choose activities that don't have rules or require
too much cooperation with other children.

6-9 years

One activity during the week and one on weekends is recommended. Joining a club or doing team sports might be beneficial.

For more parenting advice from Antonia, check out the latest issue of New Idea, on sale now!