How to Encourage Your Child in a Worthwhile Hobby

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

1. Give your child a chance to grow.
2. Find favorite characters and begin collections.
3. Take your child along when you go to the golf course or tennis court.
4. Deepen your child's interest in history - begin collections of coins, stamps and memorabilia.
5. Consider your child's interest in traditional hobbies such as fishing and hunting.
6. Stimulate your child's intellect. Teach him chess and other adult games.
7. Teach your child to volunteer. Churches, Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity and other organizations cheerfully accept help.
8. 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.
9. Show your child that work can be play. Let your child help in the garden and kitchen.
10. Let your child's love for animals grow with his or her own aquarium or aviary.

Play Upon Your Child's Curiosity

11. Expose your child to something new.
12. Be alert to what enchants your child.
13. Take opportunities to do new things - go to concerts, festivals, exhibits, craft fairs, sporting events.
14. Encourage school participation in lifetime sports such as golf and tennis.
15. Offer music lessons - band instruments, guitar or piano.
16. Be aware of any artistic inclinations and follow up with art lessons, potting or stained glass lessons and similar instructions.
17. Remember children love the outdoors - help them take up biking, roller blading, birding, climbing, hiking, skiing, swimming.
18. Find youth versions of adult avocations. Many professional and skilled amateur racers began in go karts.
19. 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.