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Speaking of skills, hobbies help children develop and grow important life skills as well as academic skills. An avid reader is sharpening his vocabulary, reading comprehension, and concentration. A hobby in the performing arts builds listening skills, memory, emotional intelligence, and self-expression. Little musicians are enhancing coordination, sharpening math skills, learning cooperation, and more. Painters and sculptors are fine-tuning observation skills, focus, collaboration, risk-taking, and self-expression.

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Creative hobbies provide countless benefits for children, so the question is – how do you ignite the spark in your child?

Introduce but do not force.

Expose your child to a range of hobbies. Provide supplies such as sculpting clay, writing tablets, colored pencils, sketch books, and paint. Talk with your child about cooking classes, drama classes, and music lessons to see what she may be interested in. Help her discover what she loves. Although it may be tempting to force a child to play piano, for example, creativity and inspiration cannot be forced. To reap the benefits, the hobby must be self-driven. The passion for it must be within the child – all you can do is lead him there to discover it on his own.

Create space for free play.

We live in an over-scheduled, endlessly busy culture in which free play is at risk for extinction. Make sure your child actually has time to devote to a hobby. So “no” to commitments that leave you and your child feeling drained and uninspired, and say “yes” to empty calendar days.

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Watch the criticism.

An ill-placed word of criticism can snuff out a creative spark in an instant. “Grass isn’t purple, Sam.” “Your notes were way off. Keep practicing.” Choose your words carefully. Yes, we must all be able to handle criticisms eventually, but a child’s spark is a valuable little flame that should be fiercely protected until it has developed into an unquenchable fire.

“Everyday, everywhere our children spread their dreams beneath our feet and we should tread softly.” – Ken Robinson

Rebecca Eanes is the bestselling author of multiple books including Positive Parenting: An Essential Guide, The Positive Parenting Workbook, and The Gift of a Happy Mother. She is the grateful mom of two boys.