I started keeping a planner in ninth grade. I still have one now. I love the feeling of crossing things off of my to-do list and I think that writing down my schedule by hand actually helps me remember what’s going on.

Believe it or not, I was actually busier as a high school student than I am now. I was on the gymnastics team my freshman year, played in marching band and concert band for three years, was a member of the quiz bowl team, on the staff of the school newspaper, joined the National Honor Society and even tried my hand at Art Club for a year.

I thrived off of being busy, but I thought my (over-) involvement in just about everything I could fit in my schedule was normal. My planner pages were filled to the brim with homework assignments, club meetings, rehearsal times and more. And I don’t regret one second of it.

I think that being busy is incredibly valuable. Rather than spending hours watching TV at home, I packed my days with time with friends and classmates as we learned and grew together.

The beauty of sports and after-school activities as a student — especially in elementary and middle school — is that kids don’t have to be great at anything. They can choose activities simply because they enjoy them or because they want to learn.

This month, we’re highlighting our after-school activities guide as well as all sorts of information about sports. Rather than limiting your kids to what they’re good at or what they’ve done in the past, take a look at something new, and don’t be afraid to pack their schedules full.

With a push for kids to get off of the computer, watch less TV and put down their phones, I think that one of the best ways to promote activity is to provide plenty of structured time for it. I joke that I know it’s been a good day when my phone is still at 80 percent when I go to bed at night. The same goes for kids and staying busy: if they don’t have time to sit around doing nothing, they’re not going to be on their phones or watching TV.

And remember, especially during the younger years, the point of these activities is to have fun, stay active and learn. Emma doesn’t have to be a child prodigy to join the band and Jake doesn’t have to outscore the rest of the team to be a soccer player.

So what activities will your kids try this year? Who knows — they may just discover some new talents. Happy activity hunting!