Hobbies Are Healthy
Hobbies benefit children in many ways. It gives a child an opportunity to express themselves, and it allows them to discover themselves and build self-esteem. They are also great educational tools. A child interested in rock collecting learns about geology and science, and a child in writing stories learns about sentence structure and proper grammar. Hobbies teach children to set and achieve goals, solve problems, and make decisions. They can also set the course for what your child becomes later in life as they often turn into lifelong interests or careers.
Children who have hobbies are usually following in their parents' footsteps, so set a good example by pursuing your own hobby. Your child will need space for their hobby, so find an area designated specifically for his hobby so he can work on it. Realize that hobbies can sometimes be quite messy, so be at the ready for messes as they come with the territory. It is important to say, don't try to force your owns likes and dislikes over their personal interests. As much as you don't like a thousand seashells, let them love it.
Be available to your child to provide guidance, support, and encouragement. This is a great time to teach your child strong work habits, such as following directions carefully, setting goals, and proper planning and organization. Show them that nothing worthwhile is ever easy, especially when they begin to become frustrated with their progress. It's also an excellent time to teach them about personal responsibility and show them how important it is to properly care for their work area and their 'tools of the trade.'
Create time to cultivate your children interesting. If you were going to the park, remember to taking time for an extra walk to collect some rocks, it is also a great bonding time.
Children will be more encouraged to work on their hobbies if activities if watching TV or computer games are limited. It's been noted by experts that by age 15, the average child has spent more time watching TV than sitting in a classroom. Again, here's where setting a good example is crucial. Instead of watching that four-hour football game on Saturday, turn the TV off and work on your hobby. Your child may want to join in or work on their own as a result.
Hobbies are rewarding and enriching parts of our lives, so encourage your child to explore his own interests and find a hobby of their very own.