Statistics indicate that 1 in 5 Brits spend less than an hour daily with their kids and partners. However, spending quality time with your children comes with benefits worth considering. For starters, your children feel loved and valued, which increases their self-esteem and confidence. Likewise, it creates a positive environment that encourages open communication. Moreover, it can motivate your kids to develop positive behaviours and perform better at school. You also benefit from it, as your stress levels would decrease. Fortunately, several hobbies can enable you to spend more time with your kids. Here are a few you can consider for the best results.
- Volunteering
Signing up for volunteering is a great and beneficial way to bond with your kids. Indeed, volunteering gives you and your children the chance to meet with different people who share the same values while learning from their experiences. Moreover, you can understand and develop ways to meet the needs of the less privileged. Since volunteering involves teamwork, you and your kids can work together to achieve the same goal. It's also a great way for them to learn social, organisational, communication and leadership skills, which are beneficial to their development.
You can begin your volunteering adventure by helping your neighbours. As a tip, select easy projects to prevent your kids from getting tired quickly or seeing them as a chore. For instance, you can walk your neighbours' dogs, babysit or pull weeds. It's also prudent to include volunteering in your family schedule. This way, you can stick to it without compromising.
- Crocheting
It's not uncommon for people to view crocheting as a hobby for elderly ladies. However, this is far from the truth. Anyone, including your kids, can enjoy crocheting. Moreover, it can help your kids sharpen their motor skills and give them a sense of accomplishment when they complete a project. It also encourages them to leverage their creative imagination, so keep this in mind. Crocheting is also a good way to spend more time with your kids while helping them develop lucrative skills. Although crocheting may look complicated, it isn't always the case. You and your kids can become very good at the right steps.
To get started, you want to invest in plain and smooth yarn, as they are easier to work with. Fortunately, you can get this crochet yarn online, so keep this in mind. Using simpler words is also helpful, as crochet terms may be challenging for kids to grasp. Consequently, encourage them to start the foundation and help them understand that making mistakes is okay. If your child is below six, they can start a chain with their hands instead of a hook, so feel free to consider this. You can also hold the yarn while they crochet until they are ready to do so themselves.
- Birdwatching
Do you and your kids love birds? If yes, you can consider bird watching as a hobby. Indeed, birdwatching helps you and your family to spend time outdoors. This, in turn, can improve your mood, relieve stress, and improve your sleep. Likewise, it can be an effective avenue for your kids to learn about various birds. You can also be sure that they won't be bored anytime soon as they explore their surroundings. Fortunately, you can enjoy bird watching at national parks, forests, lakes, meadows, wetlands or from your backyard, depending on your preferences. Leveraging tips to get the best experience with your kids is also essential.
For starters, you want to acquire bird watching supplies like binoculars, coloured pencils, snacks and water, a field journal and map, etc. If you enjoy birdwatching away from your home, sunrise and sunset are the best times. Experts also advise that you target places where two habitats meet to find more bird species. If you prefer backyard birdwatching, you'll find it helpful to create a bird-friendly habitat. You can achieve this by installing a bird feeder and birdhouse. Since domestic cats are birds' greatest killers, you want to put your furry friends inside to avoid scaring the birds away.
- Origami
Origami is a hobby that everyone can enjoy, irrespective of age differences. While it's an art, it can also be an educational experience for your kids. Research indicates that origami can enhance kids' understanding of geometric concepts and fractions. Likewise, it can boost their problem-solving and thinking skills. Origami is also budget-friendly, as you require colourful paper and a pair of scissors. Fortunately, several online tips can help you and your kids master the origami craft, so feel free to leverage them.
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