As a parent, you want your child to feel good about who they are. Kids with confidence in themselves are more likely to do well in school, resist peer pressure, develop positive relationships, and successfully navigate the tumultuous times that inevitably occur during adolescence. But self-confidence doesn’t just happen. It is the by-product of experiencing personal successes and overcoming challenges. One way to help your child with this is to encourage them to go outside of their comfort zone and develop new interests.
Put Them in a Music Class
Music can provide your child with a positive emotional outlet that could last them a lifetime. Additionally, learning to sing or play an instrument boosts brain function, gives them something to work toward, helps them develop self-discipline, and provides an opportunity to see incremental growth and improvement. The best chance of choosing a music class that will stick is to let your child select something that they are interested in learning. Group lessons can be especially fulfilling for many kids.
Sign Them Up for Sports
Your child doesn’t have to be a world-class athlete to benefit from sports. Both individual and team sports can make a powerful impact on your child’s life. Sports help kids develop strength, hone skills, and stay healthy. Team sports will also teach your child how to take constructive criticism, work well with others, and commit to something bigger than themselves. Additionally, team sports provide a peer group where your child can feel that they belong. Just be sure to take the necessary precautions to protect your child from serious injury. A mouthguard will protect your child’s teeth when they play a contact sport.
Provide Unstructured, Unplugged Time
Kids are great at discovering their own interests when given the chance. However, parents inadvertently rob their children of this personal exploration when they overschedule them and don’t set limits on screen time. Kids need unstructured time without any screens to develop creativity and get to know themselves, including their passions and interests. You and your child will be amazed at what they come up with if they simply have enough unstructured, unplugged time to themselves.
One of the greatest gifts a parent can give a child is the chance to develop their talents and pursue their interests. Your child needs both structured and unstructured time for this to happen. When you guide your child toward new hobbies and interests, you provide them with powerful tools that will help them develop into the balanced, happy, healthy adults they are meant to become.
Check out this article on how extracurricular activities can help children thrive!
