Hobbies to Connect All Family Members

Hobby! Isn’t it an ancient term for our kids? Well, I am sure most of us had hobbies when we were kids, but what about our kids? With TV, video games, internet, social media, lengthy school time and now, smart devices, do our kids have any time left for any educational hobby? Unfortunately, hobby becomes something of a past for most families as TV, video games, internet and smart devices are consuming all of our spare time. According to one recent research, an average 15 year old kid in America has spent more time in front of the TV than in school.  

Unable to find spare time in your family’s daily schedule means that there is no room for a hobby in your family life. But are we fully aware about what are we letting go by not involving our children into educational and creative hobbies? I highly doubt it! Hobbies can play a very constructive part in the development of children and creates a strong bond between family members. Children not only learn about problem solving skills, decision making, goal setting, but hobbies can also help them discover the hidden talents and often end up in lifelong interests and dynamic careers.

 

Hobbies for Entire Family!

According to Bill Corbett, author of the award winning book “Love, Living and Lessons”, even though when parents and children have their own sets of interests, shared hobbies play an important role in creating a strong family bond. He also recommends some educational hobbies for the entire family that include;

1.       Taking Pictures in Nature!

Going out for camping or for a nature walk with a camera is a great way to introduce your kids with elements in nature. Take pictures of everything interested around you that may include animals, plant life, flowers and even rocks. Kids love to explore new things in nature and find it interesting to learn about new stuff. Store the pictures on computer, sit with your kids, take help from the internet and share the interesting facts. Make it a routine and it will become one of the most favorite educational hobbies for your kids.

2.       Volunteer Work

Bill Corbett also recommends doing volunteer work with kids as it will also educate kids about the importance of sharing. Find a service agency in your area, join in with your kids and they will learn about service to others.

3.       Dream Book

To make your kids dream big and to educate them about setting goals, Bill Corbett recommends buying your kid a dream book. Every time your kid asks for something, make him write that thing in his dream book. The kid will learn to think big and soon will start writing and setting his goals.

Other than recommended hobbies by Bill Corbett, you can have your own based on your family and kid’s interests.

Parent’s Role!

Well, parents play an important role today to keep their kids get going with their hobbies. Limit the use of TV and other useless technology, set a good example with your own hobbies, allow them space and time for their creativity and help them when they are getting frustrated during the learning stage.