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Piano lessons, soccer lessons, karate school, basketball camp, guitar lessons, soccer camp, cheerleading camp, scuba lessons, tennis lessons, voice lessons, dance lessons, gymnastic lessons, lacrosse club, and the list goes on and on. Parents encourage their children to find hobbies and pursuits that interest them. But often times, children's initial enthusiasm fades away in time and their interests turn elsewhere. For the parent who has shelled out money for piano lessons or $75 tennis racquet, this can become discouraging. There are ways that parents can support their children's interests while also saving themselves from spending too much money on a fleeting interest.
1) Sit down and talk with your child.
Why does your son or daughter want to take up this hobby? Does he or she want to learn guitar lessons because they want to be in a band, impress a classmate, or be like the coolest kid in the class? Do they know the time and effort that it takes to become proficient in that hobby? Do they know the hours of practice, beyond their classwork, that will be required? Often times, once a child is aware of the time and hours involved, they will re-think their initial interest or accept a cooling-off period to determine if the interest is really there.
2) Cooling-off period.
Ask your son or daughter to give it a week to consider. Your child's interest could change in that time period or remain as strong as before. Ask them to do some research on what is required, the cost involved, and what type of lessons or equipment will be needed.
3)Don't purchase anything that you're not willing to see abandoned in a closet in a month's time. If your child doesn't want to play the oboe you bought for him, you're stuck with a purchased oboe that can only serve as a whistle. Consider holding off on making a major purchase like a piano until your child demonstrates that their interest will remain for years to come.
4) Some retail establishments allow you to rent equipment like tennis racquets, pianos, etc. Look for options to buying expensive hobby items until you feel confident that it's a smart purchase.
5) Do your own research.
Do you know what it takes to become a proficient piano player? Do you know how much guitar lessons cost and the amount of time your child will need to spend practicing?
6) Be cautious of fads.
Tiger Woods has caused more children to take up golf than ever before. That's a good thing. But it's inevitable that many children will eventually abandon their golf clubs, possibly new ones that parents have purchased, and move on once their interest is passed. Fads stir excitement in children and in adults and often cause impulsive decisions to come to the surface.
7) Take an interest in your children's hobbies.
Showing interest in your child's hobbies, from gymnastics to boxing, is a great way of showing support for them and their efforts. If you provide them with positive feedback and praise, they'll be even more interested in excelling in this activity and others.
8) Don't repeat the same mistakes.
If you have a multi-child family and an older child shows an interest in activity, consider introducing a child relatively close in age to the same activity. The two children may find their common interest as a bonding opportunity or you may be able to determine the younger child's interest in the activity before they express a passing interest years later (after you've thrown out the basic piano lesson books or sold the golf clubs).
9) Don't hold a previous passing interest against them.
If they said they wanted to be the next Harry Connick, Jr. and then gave up piano lessons a week later, don't haunt them with this fact when they come to you months later wanting to take scuba lessons.
Children are learning their way in the world and learning what they like and don't like. Often times, their interests are flamed by fads, friends, and role models.
Be accepting of their interests and curiosity and mindful that they may change their mind. By doing this, you'll be fostering positive development skills in your child and saving yourself from frustration and expense.
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