Hobbies have always been seen as a source of fun, but many children are unwilling to engage in a new activity, for various reasons - after all, they’re kids. But in today’s current state of crisis, both parents and children of all ages are finding themselves in need of things to pass the time.
Enter a hobby.
One way to help your child find a hobby is to focus on something they are good at, helping to build some self-esteem through their success. Whether it's music, drama, sports, science, crafting, or computers, find out what they like to do. Many a hobby has turned into a career, and as the saying goes, “find a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Getting outside while we’re all focusing on our “social distancing” is
necessary to keep
our sanity. While the spring flowers are starting to emerge and the grass is
turning green, outdoor hobbies that don’t require much social interaction would
certainly be a good fit.
While you’re looking at your garden, consider bringing the kids outside
and try to spark their interest. Not only does gardening
teach kids how living systems work but also how to be responsible for another
living thing. Healthy eating and an interest in cooking and baking can also
emerge from working in the garden. Depending upon the ages of your kids, be
sure to choose age-appropriate plants and activities. If space is an issue,
consider creating smaller container gardens.
One of the more popular hobbies, for all ages, is golf. It is truly a
testament to the fact that you do not have to be good at something to enjoy it.
After all, most golfers aren’t very good at it, and start
as a beginner, but that’s what makes the game great.
As far as hobbies go, golf is a lot of work. Many hours on the driving
range and practice greens are necessary, and with the current lock-down and
shelter-in-place orders, indoor
practice greens and game simulators have become hot sellers. It’s become pretty easy to
start developing some basic putting and chipping skills while cooped up inside.
Golf is a great teaching tool, in addition to being fun and not too
difficult to learn to play at a basic level. Patience, sportsmanship, character
and hard work are all important traits the game of golf can teach. The game
itself is slow, requiring a great deal of patience just to complete a round,
which can take as long as 4-5 hours for a full 18-hole trip. Sportsmanship and
character are at the foundation of golf’s principles, as the game is built on
strict etiquette and rules - it is the only sport you can call a penalty on
yourself as many of the rules are self-enforced.
But probably the best part of having your kids taking up golf as a hobby
is that the game is a sport you can play throughout your life. Playing golf
with your kids can be something you do for as long as you’re physically able.
I’ve played rounds with my kids, as well as my aunts, uncles, and grandfather.
Obviously, children need a bit of time to find out where their passions and interests lie, but as a parent, you do have the ability to give them a “nudge” in the direction that you think may be a good fit. Either way, give them your full support while they try to figure it out.
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