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Kids can be weird. They become obsessed with something overnight, talk about it all the time, and then drop it suddenly as if they never cared. This can make it difficult for parents to determine what kids like to do, and you might figure out if they have hobbies or anything they truly enjoy.
But, hobbies are important for kids of all ages. Not only does it keep them from getting bored, but it can also help them gain skills that can improve their mental and physical sharpness. If you feel like your kid isn’t doing enough or missing out on key experiences that come from hobbies, consider these six simple ways to help them find something fun.
Think About What You Enjoy
Often, kids follow the same hobbies as their parents, especially when they are younger, and want to emulate their mom or dad. This is a good place to start as you already have a lot of knowledge about your hobby, whether you like to watch and play football or sit on the sofa gaming on the latest console.
These hobbies can be easier for kids to get into as all the resources are already there, giving you and your child a great opportunity to bond about something you share, which can help you make plenty of exciting and treasured memories.
Don’t Pressure Them
Kids may not say anything because they want to make you happy. Still, don’t pressure them into any hobby. Instead, gently introduce something to them, whether something you love or something you think they would enjoy.
The pressure will make the hobby feel like a chore rather than something that is supposed to be fun. While they might get some enjoyment from it, they will often dread things they aren’t comfortable or skilled at, so give them the autonomy to make their own decisions.
Show Interest In What They Enjoy
Your child may have picked up a hobby from a friend or relative, and you might not have noticed until they start talking to you about it. If they haven’t shown a genuine interest in anything before, make sure you show interest in what they enjoy to encourage them to stick with it.
Now you know what they like, you can also feed this hobby by purchasing or showing them things they might love. If they’ve gotten into movies, fan sites from classic comedies like Prestige Worldwide or memorabilia from some of the finest films of all time will keep them engaged and encourage them to look for more classics they might love.
Try Something Different Together
If you want you and your child to spend more time together, a shared experience with a brand new hobby you can both explore could be perfect. This is a great way to enhance your bond and also encourages you to do something you’d otherwise have ignored, especially if you’re set in your ways and want to open to new experiences.
You don’t need to do anything too crazy, but joining local groups that welcome parents and kids is an excellent way to spend more time with each other and discover common backgrounds that will help you improve your relationship.
Don’t Stick With Things That Aren’t Fun
Sometimes, your child might have put hours into a hobby and they stick with it even if they don’t enjoy it anymore. This is a prime example of the skunk-cost fallacy, and it can be difficult to escape from.
But, hobbies are supposed to be fun, so if they have lost their passion, perhaps it’s time to give it up. Of course, it might just be that they feel exhausted or overwhelmed by the hobby. If this is the case, encourage them to take a few weeks off to clear their head and see how they feel the week after.
Be Supportive, Whatever They Choose
It might be that your child picks a hobby that you don’t understand, and that’s okay. Even if you don’t get Dungeons and Dragons or why on earth they would want to climb a sheer mountainside, supporting them is the only thing you need to worry about.
If they ask for new gear for their birthday, get it for them. If they need a ride to the club, take them, and when they get back, ask them how it was. They’ll appreciate this much more than if you tried to force them into doing something else.
Getting On the Hobby Horse
Hobbies are an excellent way to boost confidence and introduce your kids to other exciting things the world can offer. While not everyone will adore sports or video games, this doesn’t mean there isn’t something out there to discover and find a passion that will keep them busy for the rest of their life.
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