Hobbies are a great way for kids to use their time productively and shape their brains while doing so. The hobbies in this article promote both cognitive and emotional development—but that’s not all. Engaging in hobbies with your children also helps you grow closer to something that matters to you both.
The Importance of Hobbies
Of course, hobbies are exciting and fun. But they can also
- relieve boredom, stress, and feelings of pressure;
- help children interact with new people and make friends with similar interests;
- give kids the opportunity to learn valuable new skills;
- create an opportunity to expel negative feelings and cultivate positive ones;
- nurture creativity and exploration;
- promote compassion, curiosity, and generosity; and
- build confidence and self-esteem.
Eight Awesome Hobbies
Here are eight awesome hobbies that promote lifelong learning in your little one:
1. Gardening
Gardening helps your child learn new things and refine their fine motor skills. Understanding how to dig, water, compost, and pot plants allow them insight into how things grow and how they’re kept alive, which feeds their compassion and responsibility.
2. Dancing
Dancing is a great way for your child to relax their mind and body and get the physical activity they need. Dancing involves understanding the beat and movement of music, which connects your child to their artistic side. When they express themselves through dancing, they release stress and feel those endorphins stream in.
3. Playing an instrument
Once your child is old enough to handle an instrument, they can start to learn. Doing so begins an appreciation for music and helps them develop emotionally and mentally. If your child plays in a band, either with their friends or a school band, they’ll also understand the importance of community and working together—a skill that will stick with them for their entire lives.
4. Cooking
We love cooking in the Montessori lifestyle because it’s a life skill that everyone can benefit from. If your child enjoys helping you cook, encourage them to try things on their own (with your supervision, of course) or to try cooking or baking classes. Cooking helps to mold a child’s analytical and critical thinking and mathematical skills.
5. Stamp collecting
Collecting stamps is a beautiful, quiet way to learn about the cultures around the world. Not only that, the act of collecting also helps children learn to organize their items, evaluate them for their worth, and cherish them for what they are. In Montessori school, we emphasize treating our belongings with respect, and this is a great way to teach your child how to do that.
6. Reading
Reading boosts vocabulary and communication skills, improves language, and helps children express themselves in productive ways. To foster the hobby of reading in your child, guide them toward books about subjects that interest them.
7. Swimming
Swimming is a great way to get your child’s heart pumping and their body moving. It’s also a skill that they will use for the rest of their lives, whether it’s for fun or for more serious matters.
8. Knitting
Knitting helps to form a child’s fine motor skills and learn the art of creating something by hand. Knitting also fosters patience and self-confidence, and there’s nothing like feeling proud of something you made that you can hold in your own two hands.
Your Child’s Hobby
At Austin Children’s Academy, we value every child and all of their unique hobbies. To learn more about our school or to schedule a tour, get in touch with us today.
