finding hobbies Archives - Mother 2 Mother Blog

3 Obstacles to Your Kids Hobbies

Hobbies are fantastic for kids. Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on obstacles to your kids hobbies. Hobbies can help shape their lives, passions, and even careers. At the very least, hobbies can encourage youngsters to step outside their comfort zones. It helps them to think creatively, and test the waters of what they exactly enjoy.

But, let’s be honest, it’s easy to push our hopes and dreams onto our kids. In fact, few parents ask their kids what they want to do. Instead, they push them towards karate when all the kid wants to do is take piano lessons at First Choice Music Studio. This can lead children to see the activity as more of a hurdle than something they enjoy. It may also interfere in their true calling. Projecting your desires onto your kids can be harmful. Worse, you may not even realize you’re a part of the problem.

Here’s a few obstacles to your kids hobbies:

Trying to Mirror Your Childhood

If you loved a hobby or club when you were younger, it’s natural you would want your kids to get that same enjoyment. They may even go along with such a plan because of stories you’ve told them. Still, this is no way to a hobby that suits their tastes. There are, of course, exceptions to this but, if you’re in any doubt about whether you’re letting your past enjoyment sway their sign ups right now, then you might just be letting your desires get in the way.

Forcing Your Children to Participate

Preparing your kids for school can be challenging, but hobbies should be the opposite. If that isn’t the case, you may want to rethink the situation. You shouldn’t have to force them to wear their Scout uniform. If you do, it’s a sign this hobby is more for you than it is for them. Hobbies should be fun. If they never look forward to it, then who’s really benefiting?

Hobby Failure

When kids are passionate, they usually progress fast. A child who wants to get their progress report for their piano lessons is passion about their hobby. If they’re not doing well during their lessons, it could be a telling sign that they are not interested. It’s your job as a parent to find out what’s happening, and if your child is really interested. This particular activity may not be for your child.

Admittedly, hobby failure doesn’t always land on your shoulders. It’s certainly not unusual for kids to try out a few things before they find a hobby they love. But, if you’re noticing the above warning signs, take a step back and be honest. Ask yourself if you are an obstacle to your kids hobbies.

Staying True To Youself When You Become A Mother

Today, I’m sharing tips on how to stay true yourself. One of the biggest challenges for new and experienced mothers is the struggle to retain a sense of self. In fact, it can seem incredibly difficult staying true to yourself when you become a mother. But, empowering yourself if you have a family to take care of is a must. Fortunately, there are some strategies you can use to help with this. Yes, you are mom, but you are so much more as well.

Staying true to yourself:

Outside Interests and Hobbies

One thing that can help in staying true to yourself when you become a mother is to set aside some time for regular hobbies and interests. Furthermore, look for hobbies that take you outside of the home. In fact, this is important for moms that choose to stay home full-time to look after their kids. Without additional interest, their lives can quickly be over with housekeeping and childcare tasks.

Furthermore, don’t see attending a book club, an art class, or the movies once a week as a luxury. Instead, see it as a vital way to balance your responsibilities and life. Always remain true to your own personal identity and needs.

Challenge Your Brain

While taking care of your kids can be incredibility fun and rewarding, many women that are used to having high powered career miss the challenge and mental stimulation that work provides.

In fact, there are activities that you can get involved in that can counteract this mental boredom. One is to work part-time. Something that allows you to strike a balance between taking care of the kids and having adult conversations and interactions. Of course, working part-time is also a good way to bring extra income into your household. And, it ensures your career stays on track too.

Another idea is studying for nursing degrees online. Not only is it high level, the reward are great. It will provide the mental stimulation you crave, and you can fit your studies around your family responsibilities. Online courses allow you to have the best of both worlds, and stay true to yourself.

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Non-Mommy Friends

It’s a fact, having another mom as a friend can be a real lifesaver. After all, who understands being woken up in the middle of the night five times for a feeding or the trials and tribulations of potty training?

However, when your goal is to stay true to yourself as a mother, it can also be useful to spend some time with your non-mommy friends. In fact, it tends to be people that you have met through school, college, work or hobbies that best remind you of pre-mommy persona. Something that can be incredibly refreshing if you feel as if your identity is being swallowed up by your role as mom.