How to Support Your Child’s Hobbies

Our children seem to change their minds about what they like often. However, experimenting with new hobbies and activities is an important part of your child’s development. As a parent, it’s your responsibility to support your kids in all that they do. Here are a few tips on how to do just that, even if their interest is only short-lived.

Supporting Your Child's Interests

• Educate yourself. One of the most important things you can do to show support for your children is to learn all you can about their hobbies. For example, if they like sports, you can read about baseball cards and other topics on the Blox blog.
• Show up. When you show up to your children’s games or events, you show them that they matter. You teach them from a young age that their dreams matter. Even if you have no real interest in what they are doing, be there, pay attention, and let them know that you see them.
• Ask questions. Ask your children questions about their experiences with their sport/activity. Getting their perspective may help you better appreciate the thing they love so much.
• Make it fun. Show your children that you’re interested in what they love by setting aside fun time with friends and family to participate in their favorite activity. You might, for example, have a baseball-themed birthday party or watch movies about football.
• See live sports. No matter where you live, you are likely close to a college or professional sports league. While this can get expensive – Seatgeek estimates that NFL tickets average $151 – these are special moments that can help your child get even more excited about their favorite sport.

Hobbies You Might Share

Sometimes, the things that our children do are a perfect opportunity to bond. Here are a few activities you might do together:

• Go-karting. For children that have shown an interest in driving, but who are not quite ready for a license, go-karting is a fun alternative. Keep in mind that go-carts can cost $1000 or more, and you’ll need to factor in everything from where you live to the weight load required based on the drivers/passengers.
• Hiking. Kids that enjoy the outdoors may enjoy seeing the place they call home from a different view. Hiking with the kids is a great activity, no matter where you live. Learning Escapes offers several US-based hiking destinations, including Sedona, Yosemite National Park, and Glacier National Park.
• Birdwatching. Birdwatching might not sound like your ideal afternoon, but considering that it is a highly social activity that puts you close to nature and boosts your overall health, it’s worth more than a first glance.
• Basketball. You don’t have to be a professional athlete to enjoy backyard basketball. Many portable basketball goals are affordable, and a quick game of one-on-one is an excellent opportunity to talk to your kids about their day and other things they might be interested in.
• Woodworking. Woodworking is great for older kids that have an interest in power tools, furniture, or construction. With a few basic supplies, including a planer, saw, and drill, you can begin to create simple pieces that you can use together.

Your children’s hobbies may not wind up being their profession or their lifelong passion. But, each thing your little one takes interest in is the most important thing in the world at that moment. Show that you care about showing up, asking lots of questions, and making sure they have fun in their chosen activity. You can also look for great hobbies that you can share that will give you lifelong memories they will treasure well into adulthood.

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