Hobbies are activities that a person does in their spare time, usually for enjoyment rather than for financial gain. Generally, people have more than one hobby and often the hobbies they enjoy are different. Hobbies can be a great way for a person to relieve stress and to develop a creative outlet. Some hobbies are solitary in nature while others are more of a social activity.
Having a hobby can help children learn and improve their creativity, self-efficacy and mental health. Hobbies can also encourage teamwork and social interaction. They can be a way for a child to escape from the stress of school or their home life and have fun with friends. Children should be encouraged to find a hobby that they are passionate about.
Some hobbies are more active in nature such as playing sports or doing fitness classes. Hobbies can also be more artistic and creative in nature such as painting or jigsaw-puzzling. Some hobbies are more social such as being part of a choir or volunteering.
Choosing the right hobby for a child can be difficult because there are so many different options. It is important that the hobby they choose is not too expensive and that it is something that they will be able to do on their own or with friends. For example, a child may want to take up photography but they might not be able to afford a digital camera to do this.