Determining what playtime looks like with their friends is usually a great way to help them find a new hobby they’ll love doing.
3. Encourage Them to Try New Things
Whether you’re a child or an adult, diving into the unknown can be scary, often leading us to gravitate towards a comfortable space of familiarity. However, when your goal is to help your kid find a hobby, it’s better to encourage them to try new things.
Often, parents believe their kids should stick with a hobby for a while to tell if they like it or not. While your kid may very well enjoy an activity after some time, they’re also self-aware about their likes and dislikes.
Allow your child to try new things regularly and listen to them when they prefer to move on to something else. That may mean not signing them up for months-long activities, especially if they aren’t keen to stick with it. A better approach may be letting them explore hobbies every other week instead and recognize what they want to revisit.
4. See What They’re Watching on TV
A 2019 study found that screen time almost doubled for children under two years old since 1997. Discrepancies in household incomes and other family characteristics indicated that screens – televisions, computers, laptops, mobile phones, and more – are often used as a form of child care.
Television in moderation doesn’t have to be a negative thing, however. Many educational programs may highlight possible hobbies for you to nudge your children to participate in.
For example, kid-centric, educational television programs may introduce kids to science, music, sports, and crafts. Catching a glimpse of what your kid is watching may help you understand what they’re most drawn to and get them involved in real life.
5. Try Something Before You Commit
An excellent way to find out how your kid feels about certain activities is to sign them up for introductory classes. Introductory classes are just that: a way to discover what a hobby is all about before committing.
Your kid may have the opportunity to meet other children with similar interests and gain a basic understanding of learning something new.
It may be a good idea to sign your child up for one or two introductory classes at a time so as not to overwhelm them. Let your child explore different hobbies and interests to find something they genuinely love doing.
6. Let Kids Be Kids the Health Way
As a parent, you may feel a lot of pressure to support your child in finding healthy hobbies. However, leisure activities are meant to be fun for you and them. It might take a while for them to get good at something, so help cultivate positivity as they explore their many options.
