Life is an adventure, a journey on which we experience different things. These experiences and activities which we get fond of the most become our hobbies. Every child finds their loveable hobbies like painting, knitting, playing football, swimming, playing a musical instrument, etc. Each hobby offers unique skills and added benefits that shape their inner talent.
These hobbies are more than just a pastime but have a deeper impact on a child’s learning journey. A longitudinal study in Child Development by Schmidt et al. in 2014 found that children who participated in collective hobbies, like musicals or drama, developed stronger social skills and higher levels of social competence over time. Just like this, each hobby teaches something special. Schools in Gurgaon understand the importance of finding the right hobby for kids, which can unlock their potential and support their overall development. Let’s read about it in detail.
Why do hobbies matter to children?
Hobbies for school kids offer a break from the structured school routine. It refreshes their mind, boosts their energy, and prepares them for academic learning with full focus. Many schools in Gurgaon incorporate extracurricular activities in the curriculum so kids can enjoy their beloved hobbies while gathering academic knowledge.
Hobbies are a mind-blowing way to foster creativity among children. They get to express themselves freely in a creative manner. It provides relaxation and improves their emotional well-being.
You must think that dedicating time to hobbies will affect academic performance, but a study by the National Institutes of Health found the opposite. Engaging in leisure activities can reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and even enhance creativity – all skills that benefit a child’s academic performance.
Ensure that your child thoroughly enjoys and thrives through these extracurricular activities; it is important to find the right activity. Understanding the importance of hobbies for kids, parents can guide their children to explore activities that align with their interests and passions.
Here’s how to help your children find the right hobby
- Find where their best interest lies
Enjoyment is at the heart of hobbies. Hobbies become more of a delightful experience when you do things that you love. Choosing hobbies for kids begins with observing their daily activities, likes, interests, preferences, etc. Make a note of their interests. Do they spend most of their time playing outside? Do they catch every beat on the dance floor? Their interests are a cue to finding the right hobby. Pair their interests with hobbies that will provide an opportunity to embrace them and turn interest into talent.
- Let them explore and find their favourite hobby
For a child to transform from a cocoon to a beautiful butterfly requires more than just patience. It requires experiencing all the amazing things out there. Help your child try and test different activities and find out what they would like to pursue as a hobby. As the new generation of kids thrives on holistic, 360-degree development, they might also surprise you with multiple hobbies. Top schools that promote creativity offer extracurricular activities in school that provide children exposure to various exciting options. Schools in Gurgaon encourage children to participate in such clubs and develop a hobby.
- Ask them about their goals
How amazing would it be if your hobbies helped you get closer to your goals? They can if you choose the right hobbies that align with your goals. Kids learning through hobbies is a great way to help them reach milestones while enjoying activities they love. Get insights into your children’s short-term or long-term goals and accordingly select hobbies that they can pursue.
Do they want to be a singer in the future? Then, they can adopt playing a musical instrument as a hobby. Or if their goal is to make new friends, they can join the theatre and socialize there. Encourage them to draw, paint, or do gardening if they want to just relax and unwind after their classes.
- Check if they have the required time and space they have
Pursuing and practising hobbies requires dedicating time. Your child’s hobby should be feasible enough for him or her to incorporate into their routine. They should be able to follow their hobbies without being concerned about how it would affect their academics. Some hobbies demand time and space; make sure that your child has both before selecting a hobby.
Hobbies like sports require consistency, time, and energy, while painting and knitting require spare time and a peaceful space to let their creativity flow. Therefore, before involving them in a hobby, check their routine and find the activity that will effectively fit their routine.
- Enjoy the journey of finding the right hobby together
Be open to accepting your child’s decision with whichever hobby they pursue. Schools in Gurgaon give their developing mind the freedom to explore their options. Finding the right hobby for kids may sometimes feel like figuring your way out of a maze; make sure to support them through the different turns. It is normal to try and test different hobbies before they find the right one. In this game of finding the right hobby, be their biggest cheerleader.
Let your children embrace hobbies as powerful tools for growth and development on different fronts. It is the most marvelous way to learn new skills and develop cognitive, social, and emotional well-being. The Blue Bells School for Integrated Learning, among the top 10 CBSE schools in Gurgaon, uses this approach and encourages students to join the photography club, the visual arts & sculpture club, etc. This helps in finding the right hobby for kids and enhances their learning experience. It’s time to help them uncover their passion and natural talent.
