From an early age, your child will show natural ability when it comes to certain subjects or activities. While one child might be drawn to artistic activities, another will develop faster physically and be drawn to sports, and another may show a natural affinity with numbers?

Helping your Child find a HobbyWhatever your child shows a natural tendency towards, you can help them develop this by helping them to choose a hobby that makes the most of it, as well as encouraging them to use their free time to develop other skills that they may feel less confident in. A hobby is also a great way to teach your child that hard work can be enjoyable. It will stand them in good stead when there are difficulties to cope with ? lots of us find comfort in indulging in a favourite pastime when life becomes stressful.

The key to a balanced range of activities that will give your child the best chance of finding a hobby that suits their unique personality is to offer plenty of opportunities. Try not to forget any aspect of their development;

Physical ?

sports, games and other activities that give your child a chance to become stronger, faster, fitter or simply enable them to enjoy movement, set them up for life by encouraging them to stay fit and healthy. As well as the usual round of sports and games offered to your child routinely in school or in the community, seek out other physical activities such as dry skiing, horse riding or sailing.

Mental ?

lots of potential hobbies for your child come in the form of activities that provide mental stimulation. Introducing games such as chess or draughts, or something as simple as providing puzzle books, can be the start of a lifelong hobby. Similarly, make sure reading materials of all kinds are available to allow your child to find their own way to a love of reading.

Creative ?

your child’s emotional and creative development are closely related and both can be nurtured by the right choice of hobby. Singing, acting and playing musical instruments are fantastic forms of self-expression. This can improve your child’s confidence and may even help to put an end to some negative behaviours by giving them a means to express themselves in a more positive way.

For more ideas, think about the hobbies you enjoy. Is there some way that you can include your child in your own favourite pastimes? Whether you enjoy a spot of DIY, have a talent for knitting or spend your time painting, there is usually some way that you can share your passion with your child, so that they can develop their skills as well as spending time bonding with you.

By encouraging your child to embrace different types of hobbies, and allowing them to choose their own favourite pastimes out of a wide range of choices that you offer to them, you can help them to become well-rounded young people. Whether they choose to play the tuba loudly at 6am, or enlist your help with a 1,000 piece jigsaw, you will see the benefits!