How having a hobby benefits your child

May 11, 2018 /

Written by Genie Price 

Does your child have a fascination with collecting stamps? Or, is building model aeroplanes more their thing? If so, they may have developed a hobby. If not, then you may wish to help them find one. 

The significance of hobbies in a child’s life cannot be underestimated. Not only are hobbies a way to mould personalities, promote freedom of expression and give your child a sense of purpose, there is an array of other reasons why having a hobby is a good idea, here’s five of them.  

Rest and relaxation: 

Everyone needs an outlet and an interest for both physical and mental reasons.  

Children especially need at least one interest outside of school. Having a hobby, particularly a sporty one, helps children to relax and get away from the rush and routines of school, all the while giving them a physical arena for channelling all that pent-up energy.  

Furthermore, a recent survey conducted by Beyond Blue indicates 6.9% of children aged 4-17 have experienced an anxiety disorder. Having a hobby can give your child the opportunity to lose themselves in an enjoyable activity while supporting their mental health as well.  

It also supports them socially, as they meet new people and make friends too!  

Ignites creativity:  

Poetry and story writing, painting and sketching, clay modelling or pottery, are all hobbies which invoke creativity. Creative hobbies encourage children to use their imagination, to visualise a concept, create new ideas and problem solve.   

These types of hobbies support individual freedom of expression, where they make something unique, something that’s their own – that they can later be shared with others.  

Entices intelligence: 

Being involved in hobbies can help sharpen the intellectual abilities of your child. 

Reading books, for example, increases your child’s language and vocabulary skills as well as helps them to develop an awareness of the world around them. Books are also a wonderful way to unravel the various styles of writing. Reading a book takes time and patience to finish, supporting concentration and focus.  

Being involved in regular hobbies can contribute to predictable routines and schedules, which makes for children who are less troublesome or moody, too.  

Hobbies, such as board games and card games like Uno, encourage your child to think fast and efficiently while being positively involved with another person.  

Promotes Team building:  

By involving your child in hobbies such as sports, they will learn team skills, such as respect and kindness and good sportsmanship.  

Participation in sporty hobbies also means your child; 

  • Will develop an understanding of the many shades of team spirit and leadership within these games 
  • They will learn to not boast about their achievements but to share in those successes as a group, including with the other team  
  • Sports hobbies can help children learn about positive competition while at the same time, learning that winning is not everything!  

Nurtures their skills:  

We all have that one thing that we love and that we are good at. And why not? This helps to build self-esteem and a sense of achievement.  

By nurturing your child’s interest or passion, you give them the opportunity to do what they love and to stick to it!  

The simple things that your child learns through exploring various hobbies can develop into full-fledged skills and possibly, careers later in life.  

For example: Is your child a creative writer? They may wish to work on these skills and attend regular writing classes, working towards having their own stories published as a professional writer. Work with your child’s strengths and talents! 

How to support your child to find a hobby: 

With so many choices for hobbies these days, the best way to find one for your child is:  

  • Listen to what they want. While trialling various hobbies may be an extensive as well as expensive exercise, when you find what your child is looking for – it will be well worth the effort. 
  • Watch for what they love. Observe your child in play and see if you can pick up on cues for their interests. 
  • Let them know they can have some space. Tell your child you will be happy to support them by giving them some space at home to experiment with. 
  • Build on your own strengths and hobbies. As parents, you are your child’s role model. Set a good example.  
  • Look in your local paper for junior classes or beginner’s classes in your chosen hobby. This will help your child get a feel for if they like this particular hobby. 
  • Be available to provide guidance, support and encouragement. Whatever they choose to do- they want to share this with you. Make your child know you are there to share this journey, too.   

It’s evident that hobbies are not only rewarding and satisfying, they are also an enriching part of our lives, so encourage your child to explore and find out what makes them tick, to find a hobby they can call their own. 

References:   

https://www.youthbeyondblue.com/footer/stats-and-facts