“A child’s mind is not a container to be filled but rather a fire to be kindled” – Dorothea Brande (American writer and editor).
A hobby is an activity that is fun, creative, and thoughtful. Ever thought from where the word came?
Actually, in the early 13th century the word referred to a small horse/pony. Gradually the word was used to describe a toy horse called a hobbyhorse. It is from this word hobbyhorse the modern concept of hobby meaning “favorite pastime” evolved. It is something you do just for fun or love (and not for money) and pursue it regularly.
Usually, children develop it on their own as they start noticing everything around them. From coding to crafting, anything can be a hobby.
Hobbies can be extremely simple and typical like reading books, building/ making things or some very unique like flying drones, digital illustration, sand art, cosplay (creating a fun costume and then roleplaying a favorite fictional character), stone sculpting, ghost hunting, wild camping just to name a few.
In fact, the activity itself has less importance than the life-changing benefits children achieve from them.
Why should you encourage your child to have a hobby?
A hobby can indirectly teach your child a lot of life skills that will stay with them forever- a great way to empower your child’s interest and creativity! Observe what your child loves to do. Even if it is collecting random papers or fixing small gadgets-everything is an act of unforced interest.
Here are some actionable steps you can take to let your child’s talent bloom!
Make the child try everything under the sky!
Cooking, stitching, singing, dancing or anything – let your children learn to give everything a shot. Enroll them into music classes or do a mandatory karaoke night, let them have the joy of learning music.
Let the child choose a hobby, don’t force it.
Your child is not interested in learning cricket? Try some other sport.
Happy with Art and craft? let it be that way!
Your child will have the liberty and fun both to explore and understand the innate abilities from an early age. Creativity can come in many forms and have a magnanimous effect on the child’s development. Art for example, is a form of hobby that can change into a profession in many ways. From architecture to creative painter, learning art as a hobby can be the first step to a successful career. Though it need not be always that way and neither should we try to enforce.
Reward them for their efforts!
A smart way to make your child learn or build interest in something is by rewarding them for their efforts. Register yourself and your child on a kids allowance app like Birdfin and give them rewards for pursuing and completing a hobby. The tasks could be anything from learning a new song, helping with chores to creating a paper mask.
This way you will be able to control their spending habits and encourage them to earn as well. For example, if they want art supplies then they can help you in the household chores. You reward them with the money to buy.
They will understand the value of money, how not to waste it, and also feel proud of the things brought from their own earned money.
Some upfront takeaways a hobby can bring to your child
Having a hobby can help your child in many ways but some of them are:
- Build the confidence to do something on their own.
- Enhance skills related to organization and management.
- Problem Solving skills.
- Setting goals and achieving becomes a natural part of the personality.
- Hobbies like art, and collecting rare things help the child to give attention to details.
- Certain hobbies can also help in shaping future career choices spontaneously.
Help your child explore and develop a hobby or two. Encourage them, reward them to self-sponsor their hobby-programs!