Spending high-quality time with your kid is very important. The most common mistake parents are making these days is to simply buy various devices for their kids where they can watch cartoons and other content and play video games. That might seem like a simple and good solution to have your kid occupied and safe at the same time since it will spend a lot of time at home, but there are some much more beneficial activities that you can choose.
For example, it is proven that board games, puzzles, and outdoor activities can help your kid build some important cognitive skills and improve physical conditions. The key is to motivate the child to learn and develop. Also, some simple ideas secure a great time together. For example, you can get now a painting with clear guidelines, which is simply fun and an excellent solution to play with your kid while doing something that is beneficial for it. You can choose a hobby to share with your kid as well, and here are the main benefits of that option.
1. Improved Relations
A lot of people these days are struggling to build a high-quality connection with their kids. There are many reasons for that. First of all, a lot of people are in a constant rush because they have to work 9 to 5. During that time, kids are either in kindergarten or elementary school depending on their age. Therefore, someone else will select their activities.
Also, even when they are at home, most kids will rather play video games or watch YouTube than play with their parents. Adults find this a good thing as well because it is easier for them while they don’t have to worry at the same time.
However, that is not a good solution when it comes to the connection that you want to build with them. Being only a character of authority at home, and someone who will provide them will clothe and many other things can lead to situations where kids will become more distant over time. That can be an issue once when they reach puberty.
2. Discover Their Talents
It is very difficult to choose the right activities for little kids, especially when it comes to some sport or art. Since they are interested in all kinds of things at that age, chances are great that they will accept anything you suggest. However, you cannot expect your kid to show some talent in every activity you choose.
However, that can be the perfect way to notice some signs of certain talent. For example, if it is interested in playing with the ball, maybe there is a chance for your kid to become a professional athlete. Still, being at a young age, it is still difficult to choose the right sport. Therefore, select a couple of them that your kid and try to spend a couple of days each week practicing with them.
If your kid is only 3 or 4, keep in mind that it is still too early for letting him to some club or hiring a coach. Instead of that, play around and help him learn more about different sports to see where they might have the best potential.
The same is for other categories like art, science, and more. The point is to provide the kid with the right guidelines and basics and then let him learn and practice more without forcing. Also, keep in mind that the most important feature of the hobby you choose is that the kid is also interested in it.
3. It Will Boost Their Confidence
Be aware of the fact that letting your kid enjoy too many hours while playing video games, and not talking with him about his activities in school, his friends, or potential struggles, can be a problem. Being isolated and shy while not being interested in sharing anything personal with you could be the first sign of anxiety or some other issue.
On the other side, there is no need to panic since it is normal for kids to not speak so openly about everything. The best way to change that is to find something where you can enjoy yourself together. The results might come very fast since you will notice that your kid is not open, and it will boost your confidence to act the same while spending time in school and with friends. You have to know that lack of self-esteem and being shy often comes from home and that fact that parents are not spending enough time with their kids.
4. You Will Have a Lot of Fun
The selection of the hobby is not important as long as both you and your kids are entertained, which is the main goal. There are other ways to entertain as well, like watching movies or playing games together, but the difference is that a hobby will also provide some other benefits.
It will help you build an honest relationship with your kid, and help it discover different things and possibly find where it is the best from an early age. The entertaining factor is important so that you can avoid putting too much pressure on your child.
The Bottom Line
If you already have a hobby, it can be a great thing to get your kid involved. It can be something that requires advanced skills and experience, but you can always find a way to downgrade it to a level for your child. For example, if you are dealing with woodworking or creating different objects, choose something simple for your child. It doesn’t matter how good or bad it is with the same things that you are doing as long as it is involved.
That is the best way to improve your relations and will improve other segments as well, such as honesty, motivation to learn, confidence, exploration of different areas, and more. In the end, the point is to experiment with different things and try to find something where your kids will be more interested.