30/09/2021

Hobbies are great for kids!

Having a hobby helps a child to develop some very valuable life skills they probably aren’t learning at school.

Hobbies can be simply reading books, collecting things, building and crafting, or even taking care of pets. The activity itself isn’t as important as the benefits a child gets out of it as they grow.

Which is why at Barracudas we encourage youngsters to try a wide range of pursuits which kids may develop a passion for.

If they haven’t already found a hobby, don’t worry. We’ll give them a broad itinerary to try out, and help them identify anything they are good at, or wish to pursue further.

Having a hobby will help your child to:

• Build confidence 
• Make friends
• Improve mental health
• Develop teambuilding skills
• Improve organisational skills 
• Learn problem solving
• Set achievable goals
• Gain attention to detail 
• Make future career choices (although there’s no rush)

Here's a bit more on how:

Build confidence

If your child struggles to make friends at school, encouraging them to join a club with people who are like minded is a perfect way for them to make new friends. Long term this should help them to be more socially confident. For example, a youngster who is shy, but joins a model-making club will not only learn a skill, but connect with others who like the same things. 

Develop skills and interests

Child psychology experts agree that any type of interest a child has outside of school can be helpful in getting away from the routine and conformity of the classroom, and express their own creativity. A child who collects coins or stamps will learn history and the value of things. Exercising their brains or their bodies by becoming immersed in something they enjoy can also help get away from the stresses of academic life.

Improve mental health and wellbeing

Spending time on an activity that they enjoy can improve children's mental health and wellbeing. Research shows that people with hobbies are less likely to suffer from stress, low mood, and depression. Activities that get kids out and about are great way to escape their worries and immerse themselves in something which boosts their mood.

The power to choose

As with most things in life, it’s all about balance. Children shouldn’t be pushed into too many extra curricular activities. And it’s important to encourage them towards what they are interested in – not what you want them to become. So don’t worry if your child isn’t a natural singer or footballer, and wants to start a bug collection or crochet a town – let them develop their own passions.

The advantage of Barracudas is that there is no cost for equipment or specialist clothing to try out new sports or activities. It’s a short-term commitment which might just unearth a future pro golfer, artist or drama enthusiast.

There are wonderful opportunities for children to explore new interests at our activity camps. With 10 locations for this half term, we may be just the thing for your child! If we don't have a camp near you, look out for our Easter camps and summer camps for 2022 (locations and dates coming soon)!