What you learn in the growing up years really matters. Children learn and synthesize information every minute of the day, even when they are not in school and watching television or talking to their friends. Traditional education is informative but you need to find other ways to incite excitement and imagination in your kids. Your children should dabble in extraneous activities and hobbies also.
Benefits of hobbies
The very first advantage is that hobbies make us feel good. Finishing that painting or knitted sweater induces a sense of satisfaction and makes you feel happy about life. Children face performance stress at school and this can be reduced by taking up fun hobbies. Also, hobbies keep boredom at bay. They improve self expression in children and also aid to develop time management, goal accomplishment, and self discipline. They inculcate a problem solving skills and transform kids into fast thinkers. Additionally, they help with self esteem issues as they make children feel more competent.
Choosing a hobby
Video games and online social networking sites are fine but they don’t really help to develop any real skill. Look for a real hobby and ensure that your kid adopt it whole heartedly. The most important thing while picking hobbies is that your kids should enjoy them. If they are not having fun then it will be difficult to get them to stick around. Don’t try to impose your interests on children. Each child will have an affinity towards a certain activity – find out your child’s unique strength and interest.
Introduce the hobby slowly and ensure that your child shows interest at first. Let them experiment with it for a month or two. If your kid is not bored and continues to show inclination then take it up for a longer time. Also, make sure that your child doesn’t get too absorbed in their new activity. Create a schedule for the activity and explain your child the importance of balancing all their tasks.
List of hobbies
Here is a list of hobbies and activities for your young ones.
1. Toys
Go for educational toys or science based games. You can buy crosswords, jigsaws, building blocks, and doll houses also. Puppets, dolls, mini trains and cars entertain kids and spur imagination when they play around with them. Modeling games to make airplanes and submarines are something that little boys are enthralled with.
2. Reading and writing
Try to encourage reading and writing to develop language skills and vocabulary. Every child does not have the same interest, find out what entices them – it can be fiction, facts, science, art, autobiographies, etc. Buy story books and fairy tales that most kids enjoy. Library membership or attending summer reading programs are a good idea.
3. Sports
If your kids are high on energy all the time then enroll them into a class or sport activity. You can go for sports like basketball, tennis, swimming, baseball, etc. You can also teach them martial arts or yoga. Gals will cherish ballet or other dancing classes like jazz and tap dancing. Let them go hiking, biking, skating, horse riding, skiing, bird watching or picnicking with family or friends. With all the brouhaha around sport cars and racing, take them out to an amateur race track or go kart.
4. Crafts
Many kids love coloring, painting and sketching. They can also join a craft, woodwork, sewing or pottery workshop on weekends. Some kids even enjoy coking and knitting with their mom or grandparents. Teach them clay modeling, jewelry making, sculpting, etc.
5. Gadgets
Some kids just get hooked to gadgets like cameras and other machinery. Encourage photography and find space where they can develop prints. Buy a kiddie sewing machine if your little one is into it.
6. Music
Many kids enjoy music; encourage their singing or songwriting talent if they are keen on it. You can also teach them to play instruments like piano, guitar, etc.
7. Collectors
Encourage children to amass their own collection of things that excite them. Common collectibles are coins, insects, stamps, flowers, rocks, shells, etc. This can also turn out to be educative. For instance, coins can help them learn about different countries, personalities who are impressed on them and also sharpen their counting ability.
8. Activities
Plan visits to museums, aquarium and aviaries. Take them out to workshops, festivals and fairs attended by others. It hones their communication and interaction skills. Some very special trips can be beachcombing, star gazing, sailing, and nothing would be as exciting as a hot air balloon ride!
