Hobbies to boost your child’s mental health

Is there an activity that your child enjoys?

Having a hobby has numerous advantages for children, including:

• Reduction of stress
• Increased self-esteem
• Learning self-discipline
• Learning to be patient.
• Encouraging goal-setting and decision-making
• Improving fine motor abilities and bilateral coordination
• Development of critical thinking skills
• Promoting creativity

Hobbies your child may enjoy

There are literally hundreds of hobbies that your child could try. Some hobbies are more age-appropriate than others.

Here are a few ideas:

• Learn a new language
• Learn how to play a musical instrument
• Volunteer for a charity
• Practise cooking
• Try scrap-booking
• Take photographs
• Paint
• Plant a garden
• Start a band
• Take up a sport
• Collect model cars / comics
• Make jewellery from beads

How to help your child find a hobby

Some kids seem to be able to pick up a hobby with ease. From a young age, they know what they like and are interested in. Others, on the other hand, may have difficulty finding a hobby that they truly enjoy. If your youngster is unsure about what interests them, try the following suggestions:

1. Make a list of your child’s interests and passions.
2. Inquire about your child’s preferences and dislikes.
3. Help them to develop their hobby, this may mean you’ll have to spend some money. Some hobbies can be quite expensive, especially collector hobbies! Stay within your budget of course, but see the value in helping your child pursue their passion.