Health Tip: Your Extracurricular Teen

(HealthDay News) — After-school activities generally are good for your teen, except when the added stress outweighs any benefit.

The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests teens should:

  • Ask questions before committing. Find out how much time the activity requires, and consider whether it fits it in with school and homework.
  • Consider if the activity could cause school performance to suffer.
  • Think about whether there will still be time for fun and relaxation.
  • Pay attention after joining. If there’s too much stress, have a conversation with the activity leader.
    There may be time to rejoin later.