One of the most important and easiest ways to improve your child’s self-esteem is to spend quality time with them doing something that both they and you enjoy. There’s a special magic that happens when a child and parent share a mutually enjoyed activity. It sends your child a message that you’re having fun with them – honest, true, real fun.
Unfortunately, life isn’t always easy, and it can be hard to afford all of the hobbies or activities we’d like to do with our children. But you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy yourself. Even if you can’t afford expensive dance or martial arts classes, they can still have a good time, learn new things, and spend quality time together. Here are some of our favorite hobbies that don’t cost the earth and can be enjoyed as a family:
- Origami
Origami is a brilliant activity that produces stunning results that both you and your children will be impressed by. Start off at a beginner’s level and build your way up to a master in origami. There are hundreds of free origami ideas on the internet to get you started. All you need for this hobby is some paper (recycled if possible) and the internet and you’re ready to get folding.
- Collect Something as a Family
What child doesn’t love owning their own collection? Whether you decide to collect Pokémon cards as a family or these Chibi-style doll collectables is up to you. You could even go online and find others who collect similar items to you.
- Painting
Even if you’re not much of an artist, painting is a brilliant way for you and your kids to express your creativity; something everyone needs to do every once in a while.
Get a big sheet to cover your dining room table or paving in the garden, purchase some acrylic paints or a watercolor palette, brushes, a cup to rinse your brushes in, and some recycled paper. If your child is painting for fun or is very young, then don’t spend lots of money visiting art shops – regular retailers are just as good. It’s also a good idea to remember to wear old clothes or an apron while painting. When your pictures are complete, you could even consider hanging them around your house.
- Gardening
Gardening is a brilliant hobby that all of the family can enjoy. It doesn’t matter if it’s raining or if the sun is shining, there’s always something to do in the garden. Why not plant a tree with your child that you can watch grow as they do? Gardening is extremely therapeutic and will give your child a sense of responsibility and a love for the outdoors.
If you don’t have a garden, or your outside space is only small, then why not plant flowers indoors? This can be just as exciting. You could even think about planting your own vegetables or fruit. This will not only save you money in the long run (as you won’t be spending money on supermarket vegetables) but it also teaches your children about how to look after something. All you need is some compost, seeds, and gardening tools.
- Dancing
Dancing is a brilliant way of keeping fit with your family while also having a lot of fun. You could enroll your whole family in a dance class, or to save money, you could watch an online tutorial and have your own class at home. The best thing about doing it yourself is that you can choose which style of dance you want to learn and when you want to do it. Hip hop one day, salsa the next – who knows?
Not only does a shared interest benefit your child’s self-esteem, but it’s also a brilliant chance for you to spend some quality time bonding with them. Kids communicate, learn and feel comfortable through play. Which hobby will you choose to take up as a family?
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