It is often argued that parents should motivate their children to join group activities in leisure time, while others believe that it should be the personal choice of children that how they will occupy themselves. In my opinion, children should decide on their own that how could they spend their free time.
Firstly, some people say that parents should encourage their children to involve in organized group activities because it not only brings discipline in their lives but also provide an opportunity to make new friends. Moreover, in group activities children get a chance to socialize and learn about different cultures. For instance, in many schools of Pakistan, in free lectures, teachers allow students to arrange in small groups for random activities such as drawing and painting. In those gatherings students share their ideas and small talks allow them to discover more about their cultures. This will also help them to make new friends and relationships.
Secondly, some people believe that it is important for children to learn how to occupy themselves on their own. The main reason for this view is that it boosts their creativity and thinking process. In free time every child wants to engage in tasks of their choice that could please and freshen up them for upcoming tasks. If parents force them to do organized activities, the children will consider it as a task rather than enjoyment. For instance, in present era, most of the children prefer to play video games rather than group drawing or painting. If parents force them to perform specific tasks, they will have low interest and would be less efficient. Although, if a child likes to play guitar in leisure time and parents would allow it, this will not only increase in their efficiency but also their attention span.
In conclusion, if children take part in group activities, it makes them discipline and they will get a chance to make new friends and relationships. If a child engages in activity of his own choice, he will be more creative and efficient. In my opinion, it should be decided by children in which activities they want to be engaged.