The most obvious benefit of playing a sport is the exercise that it provides your child. This can help prevent obesity, both now and in the future. Additionally, being a part of a team can teach your child how to work with others and how to win and lose graciously. Playing on a sports team may also improve your child's academic performance, as many schools have a "no pass/no play" stipulation, which means that if a student doesn't pass his classes, he's not allowed to participate in games. Your child may also have a better body image than one that does not play sports.
In a study that's reported in the Monitor on Psychology, students that took music lessons for a year increased their IQ an average of two points over than students that did not. Music lessons can also help your child become more emotionally intelligent by being able to recognize the emotions that others are feeling. You'll also see improved discipline, since students must schedule time to practice every day to improve music skills.
Through volunteering--whether cleaning up parks or serving food in a food bank--children begin to understand that they are a part of a larger community and that everyone needs to lend a helping hand. You child can work to better a cause that she believes in and even a small child can have a big difference.
From babysitting and mowing lawns to working at the local fast food restaurant, students who work part time jobs learn valuable skills. When it comes time to look for full time employment, an employer may prefer someone that already has experience working. Children also learn proper financial management through saving and spending the money that they earn.
Studying the martial arts--such as tae kwon do or karate--can teach your child both mental and physical discipline. Studying the martial arts will help your child build her muscles and attain coordination and balance. Many martial arts programs also include training on breathing and energy manipulation, which can help her to reduce stress and act calm in all situations.