Now that summer is here, you have some time with your children to discuss future after-school activities! If your children aren’t interested in typical after-school activities, don’t fret. There’s a whole world of unique, educational hobbies kids can explore. With the freedom to try new things and support from parents, children can discover their true passion. Stimulate your little ones’ brains and get them socially engaged with the following out-of-the-box ideas, courtesy of Sixx Cool Moms.
Go Back to School
One of the best things you can do for your children is demonstrate the value of education. After all, with the right tools, your child can accomplish all they want to in life! You can exemplify this principle by going after your own dream to take up a teacher certification. Online learning platforms give you access to all the materials you need to work with children, but with the added flexibility of proceeding on your own schedule.
Learn to Code
Coding is a valuable skill in today’s technology-driven world. In addition to getting kids interested in STEM, programming offers several developmental benefits:
Becoming resilient
Changing perspectives
Learning problem-solving skills
Exploring creativity
Children who stick with coding also have a wide range of career opportunities:
Website developer
Video game programmer
Mobile app developer
If you’d like to learn more about coding but you aren’t sure where to start, click here to get some help from the experts!
Volunteer in the Community
You’re never too young to volunteer, so if your children show interest in serving their community, look for kid-friendly opportunities. Churches, community centers, and schools are all great places to start, as they often have youth volunteering programs. Even very young children can find joy in helping others by donating clothes they no longer wear, buying toys for Christmas donation drives, and assisting with canned food collection. Helping their communities can instill a strong sense of justice in kids and boost their self-esteem. Volunteers also experience health benefits, such as reduced stress and lower depression rates.
Turn a Hobby Into a Business
Are your kids innovative and driven? Then they may flourish as entrepreneurs. Many childhood hobbies naturally lend themselves to small business ventures:
Tie-dying T-shirts
Baking
Candy-making
Painting and drawing
You can encourage your kids’ entrepreneurship by teaching them about leadership, helping them learn from failure, and imparting valuable financial literacy skills. If the business gets big enough, you can also help your children register with the state. Limited liability companies (LLC) are a popular choice for small businesses due to the tax advantages, flexible ownership, and relatively straightforward paperwork.
Plant a Garden
Research indicates that in the U.S., gardening is a hobby for at least half of all households, and it’s easy to see why. Tending a garden is a great way to exercise and spend time outdoors. For kids, it’s a learning opportunity, as each plant requires different types of care, and small details, such as soil composition, can significantly affect the harvest. Finally, kids get to enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of their labors at the dinner table.
Performing Magic Tricks
If your kids enjoy watching magic tricks, they may also love performing them. Learning magic sparks imagination and helps kids develop fine motor skills. They can also strengthen important social skills, such as speaking in public and reading a room.
Studying a New Language
Language learning is generally easier for kids, so encourage them to study a foreign tongue. You can find free online language-learning programs and apps to boost vocabulary. In addition to expanding kids’ ability to communicate, speaking a second language improves cognitive development:
Helps kids think faster
Builds more gray matter
Delays age-related mental illness
Boosts memory
Trying new activities helps children find their passions, which guide them throughout their lives. As a parent, you can help your little ones learn about themselves by introducing them to a variety of activities. Together, you’ll have fun and gain valuable skills for the future.
Sixx Cool Moms is a closely knit community of moms helping each other. Reach out today if you have any questions about after-school activities!
Author: Alyssa Strickland created millennial-parents.com for all the new parents on the block. Alyssa believes the old adage that it takes a village to raise a child, but she also thinks it takes a village to raise a parent! On Millennial-Parents, she shares tips and advice she learns through experience and from other young parents in three key areas—Education, Relationships, and Community.
Comments