How to Encourage Your Child in a Worthwhile Hobby

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

Rate: (2 Ratings)

Children are open to the magic of the world. There's no better time to establish a lifelong interest in a rewarding hobby.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Art Supplies
  • Model Rockets
  • Model Train Sets
  • Musical Instrument
  • ABA/Lane Birdfinding Guide
  • ARRL Study Material
  • Special Olympics Information Packets
  • Collector's Guides
  • Stamp Albums
  • Greenpeace Membership
  • Internet Access
  • Fishing Licenses
  • Computers
  • SLR Camera
  • Cameras
  • Binoculars
  • Swiss Army Knives
  • Bikes
  • Fishing Rods
  • Fishing Tackle
  • In-line Skating Helmets
  • Knee Pads
  • R/C Model Airplanes
  • R/C Model Cars
  • R/C Ship Models
  • Chess Sets
  • Plastic Model Kits

Play Upon Your Child's Interests

Step1
Give your child a chance to grow.
Step2
Find favorite characters and begin collections.
Step3
Take your child along when you go to the golf course or tennis court.
Step4
Deepen your child's interest in history - begin collections of coins, stamps and memorabilia.
Step5
Consider your child's interest in traditional hobbies such as fishing and hunting.
Step6
Stimulate your child's intellect. Teach him chess and other adult games.
Step7
Teach your child to volunteer. Churches, Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity and other organizations cheerfully accept help.
Step8
Let your child assist you as you work in your hobby. Let him fetch tools and do simple chores, for example, as you quilt, do needlework, woodwork or restore a car.
Step9
Show your child that work can be play. Let your child help in the garden and kitchen.
Step10
Let your child's love for animals grow with his or her own aquarium or aviary.

Play Upon Your Child's Curiosity

Step1
Expose your child to something new.
Step2
Be alert to what enchants your child.
Step3
Take opportunities to do new things - go to concerts, festivals, exhibits, craft fairs, sporting events.
Step4
Encourage school participation in lifetime sports such as golf and tennis.
Step5
Offer music lessons - band instruments, guitar or piano.
Step6
Be aware of any artistic inclinations and follow up with art lessons, potting or stained glass lessons and similar instructions.
Step7
Remember children love the outdoors - help them take up biking, roller blading, birding, climbing, hiking, skiing, swimming.
Step8
Find youth versions of adult avocations. Many professional and skilled amateur racers began in go karts.
Step9
Remember raising and training a dog, cat or horse delights a child and develops responsibility.

Tips & Warnings

  • Money invested doesn't determine the value of a hobby. Even complicated, equipment-intensive hobbies can be enjoyed with minimal investment.
  • Your child is a separate person. Let him or her explore hobbies that may not interest you.
  • Children can be precocious. Let your child spread his or her wings by taking up a challenging activity, but don't give up your responsibility as a parent.

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eHow Article:  How to Encourage Your Child in a Worthwhile Hobby

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