Hobbies as vital as academics and sports

All work and no play make Jack a dull boy, goes the saying. In a similar vein not pursuing one hobby or other right from childhood also put an individual in an embarrassing situation when asked to display their creative wares.

Hobbies play an important part in a person’s life, although the choice of a hobby could play a crucial part during one’s growing up years. Hobbies per se have their benefits and advantages as also some corresponding flaws, which make it paramount to opt for a good hobby that can guide us throughout life.

According to Harika Muralidharan who is a hobby teacher at Kidsfun Hobby Academy in Hyderabad’s Sainikpuri locality, “hobbies play an important role in one’s personal growth and progression; hence it is important to cultivate hobbies right from childhood”.

That implies that the elders, particularly teachers and guardians have to exhort the students to develop interests in aspect beyond the academics.

“Summer is the best time to inculcate hobbies among children as they are free from homework. Moreover, this can also wean them away from television and computers. Getting indulged opens up a new word of exploration and also helps a creative bent of mind. This is possible even in a hobby like stamp-collection,” says Vijayantimala M a veteran academic in Hyderabad.

A good hobby will have cascading effect on children and can help them develop social, academic and moral skills. In short hobbies act as catalysts that fuel the development of brain.

“Children below 12 years have a great affinity to develop a hobby as they tend to display an inclination to learn mote enthusiastically,” says Arpitha Sharma, a children Psychologist.

What can attract young ones will be clay modeling, painting, drawing, sketching and origami. Philately and coin collection could be important hobbies for adolescents.

Different sports and games could be favorite hobbies for many children. Playing musical instruments, dancing or singing could also be fancied heavily.

“Parents should observe and understand where the kid’s interest lies and help them in developing a hobby when they are still young”, adds Arpitha.

“Yes, it takes a lot of time and effort to teach hobbies to your children. However, with concerted efforts, you can make your children take to hobbies that can enable them to develop their personality.

Hobbies can keep your children active and engaged and remove boredom and lethargy, which can act as obstacles to their development” notes Harika.

By:Vaishnavi Girish