There’s a lot that goes into raising kids, and so much of that is priming them at a young age for a happy and successful life. The tools you gift your children early on will stay with them through adolescence and adulthood, so it’s vital to be proactive and encourage them to take up hobbies that will excite and fulfill them.
They may be content with playing team sports at school, which offer many rewarding qualities. But many studies have proven that creative hobbies are just as important for children to participate in as athletics. Creative hobbies strengthen the mind and build collaborative skills.
Which hobby is best for your child? The possibilities are endless, but you want to be sure your kid is participating in activities that are just as educational as they are exciting. Here are a few to consider.
- Music
Learning an instrument is one of the most rewarding activities any child can do. Reading sheet music, practicing every evening, and especially being in a band or orchestra of some variety all heavily contribute to a heightened appreciation for music and the cherished ability to play it.
There are many instruments to choose from and lessons to go with each. Whether you’re looking for a wide range of snare drums, a piano, a clarinet, or numerous others, the internet makes it easier to find instruments to buy or rent, and music studios to take lessons at. The pandemic may have changed the way that your kids are able to engage in music, but online music lessons for children are still available and they can help! As long as children can find a reason to engage in music, they’re going to be able to take it in and learn something new. The beauty here is that in spite of the pandemic, music teachers everywhere recognize that children still need help to thrive and come into their own with their music. They’re making themselves available online and that’s going to help your children to do well.
Countless studies have proven that the studying music is incredibly helpful to brain growth and stimulates creativity and imagination. In addition to its aiding in mental growth, playing music is also just genuinely fun! Imagine the smile on your kid’s face when he’s finally able to play you the drum solo he’s been working on for months.
- Dance
Dance is a very common hobby and for good reason. It is extremely physical, and a great alternative for exercise than school sports.
Whether the genre is ballet, tap, or jazz, dance will stay with an individual for years to come. It strengthens posture, teambuilding skills, and keeps the body flexible at a young age.
Even for those who do not pursue dance beyond childhood, most agree that it was a profoundly positive experience as they were growing up. Dance studios are another place for kids to connect with people their age and hone a new skill that will serve them well beyond elementary school.
- Reading
An exceptionally important tool to have is a love of reading. Reading is the gateway to other worlds and possibilities. Developing a love for reading is a skill that will benefit children throughout their entire lives.
The most effective way to do this is often by cutting out an hour for reading time every day. This gives kids a lot of time to explore different genres and find a story or series they like best.
Fiction is an important genre for people of all ages, but this is especially true for children. Kids yearn for adventure in a significantly more intimate and inherent way than most adults, making their relation to fiction imperative. Many kids that find a fictional book or series that hooks them will grow up to read more fiction and non-fiction alike.
Give Your Kids Many Creative Options!
Too much free time can be a tricky thing for people of any age, often leading to us spending time unwisely. Introducing your children to creative pursuits is a great way to fill in free time with meaningful activities. Creative pursuits will help your child grow into a curious, ambitious individual with an imaginative drive for the future.
LOVE these tips! Reading is definitely one of my daughter’s favourite activities – along with her drama class!