Yep... I agree with you when you point out that "let your child participate in extracurricular activities and let that be their decision. Participation is what is important, not what to participate in."

Parents have their own role in the growth and development of their children, imposing their will only limits their development and growth, I have the same assumption that through extracurricular activities children will grow and develop according to their true identity.

I have two children with an age gap of 18 months, my first child is currently only studying at elementary school and his younger sibling is receiving education at home according to his age, but I am aware of the existence of extra-curricular activities for the growth and development of their character.

My first child, who initially had a shy character, when he started taking part in extra-curricular activities at school, she changed for the better, she became brave and able to appear in public to express his opinion. Even though he only took part in the dancing and drawing program.

I realized that what children need is not just intellectual intelligence, but how children are able to interact and hone their emotional intelligence as a great potential for achieving success. This is closely related to my personal experience since childhood which was more directed towards academic grades, but lacked socializing and participating in extracurricular activities, perhaps my parents' opinion, who did not have higher education, was that academic grades were the main factor in supporting a career, it turns out this assumption is not always true. and it can't be said to be wrong.