Importance of Hobbies
Hobbies and extracurricular activities can help your tween face new challenges, adapt to transitions from different environments and deal with possible pressures they are experiencing from home or school. Hobbies can be especially helpful as your child transitions from elementary to middle school, as they provide a sense of belonging during this time of change. Discovery of what is meaningful to your child is equally important during these stages. Hobbies can also support your child in acquiring social qualities and build creativity. Some tweens may have difficulty connecting with their peers and a hobby can help build common interests with others and open the door to friendships. Hobbies may give your tween a chance to:
- Take calculated risks
- Problem-solve
- Learn about themselves, including new strengths and weaknesses
- Explore healthy ways to connect with others—both peers and adults
- Expand their networks
- Develop skills
- Teach and learn from others
It is important to listen to your child and see what excites them. Hobbies and extracurricular activities can be more than just sports. Look into options such as a computer class, legos, video game clubs, service projects around your city that include youth, sewing clubs…the options can be endless. Look at the following resources below to broaden your knowledge of the benefits hobbies and extracurricular activities can provide for your tween.
- https://www.amatterofstyle.eu/inspire-me/psychological-benefits-hobbies-children
- https://www.momjunction.com/articles/teenagers-hobbies_00474362/#69-teenage-hobbies-you-may-consider
- https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/sports/Pages/Is-Your-Child-Ready-for-Sports.aspx
- https://www.connecticutchildrens.org/health-library/en/parents/fitness-6-12/
- https://www.connecticutchildrens.org/health-library/en/parents/fitness-13-18/
- UPC Summer Resource Guide
