Family | Leisure | The Importance of Hobbies

join | what's new

Your online source for free family fun, craft projects, parenting advice, and more...

The Importance of Hobbies
by Rexanne Mancini

Children who have an avid hobby or interest they are passionate about are more likely to spend their money, when they have their own stash of it, on that hobby or collection and not on drugs or other potentially harmful choices.

If your kids are busy after school at dance class, soccer practice, rock collecting or any other hobby or interest they find engaging, they won't have time to hang with the kids who have nothing better to do than experiment with drugs, gangs, alcohol or whatever else could get them into serious trouble.

If your kids are intense about collecting paper clips, toe nail clippings or in love with little league, then encourage them ... help them develop their passion for a positive accomplishment. Teach them how great it can be to involve themselves in something that gives them a sense of accomplishment and pride.

Help them through the rough spots when they can't get a dance step the first 10 tries by letting them know that, usually, nothing worthwhile comes easily. If their favorite collectable breaks, drag yourself through heck and back to find a replacement. This shows them you believe in their humble collection and you understand its value and importance in their life.

They will learn to respect their unique passion and move forward into adulthood feeling good about the healthy choices they make to keep themselves occupied in their 'down' time. This type of positive reinforcement will also encourage them to spend their free time doing something other than hanging out with other bored individuals who are bound to try some type of inane activity just for the thrill of it.

You might even decide to get involved in 'collecting' or 'creating' yourself. Having a mutual hobby could create a bond worth its weight in super glue with your child.

Copyright 2000-2004 Rexanne Mancini

About the Author:
Rexanne Mancini is the mother of two daughters, Justice and Liberty. She is a novelist, freelance writer and maintains an extensive yet informal parenting and family web site, Rexanne.com Visit her site for good advice, award-winning Internet holiday pages and some humor to help you cope. Subscribe to her free newsletter, Rexanne's Web Review, for a monthly dose of Rexanne.

Did you enjoy this article? Rate It! | Tell A Friend

Halloween!

The cool weather is here and Halloween is quickly approaching! Whether you are looking for fun crafts, great recipes, or costume ideas, you'll find it all here. Here are a few examples to get you started...

More Holidays...

your email address:

New Stuff

new on familycorner.com Missed the last couple of newsletters? Haven't visited for a while? This section highlights articles and crafts that have recently been added to FC...

Spooky Candy Dish

Mummy Meatloaf

Tombstone Cheesecake Cups

Tombstone Sandwiches

Mummy Cookies

Vampire Bat Cake Balls

Tin Can Mummy

Spooky Eyeball Cake Balls

Pumpkin Cake Balls

Plastic Cup Crow

Coffee Filter Sunflowers

Chewy Cranberry Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Cheesy Corn Dog Muffins

Mummy Note Holder

Frankenmallows	Tube Scarecrow
Ghost Luminaries	Paper Bag Tree

FamilyCorner Photo Gallery

Did you know that FamilyCorner has its own photo gallery? Did you know that YOU can upload your own photos to it? That's right, and it's completely free!

Here are some of the fun benefits of sharing your photos in our FC Gallery:

Send your own photos as an e-card

Watch slide shows

See beautiful sunsets and other great scenic shots

Brag about and share pictures of your loving pets

Share photos of your children and grandchildren

Create your own individual album and post in category albums

Keep your favorite pictures organized online

Rate images of other members

...more!

Join us in the FC Photo Gallery. It's completely free to use, just another fabulous reason to be a FamilyCorner subscriber.

Start your own album by visiting our free gallery today!

Family Matters Radio
FMR is a nationally syndicated radio program developed to help you live your best life, hosted by Caroline & Jacquie. No rants and raves - you get enough of that from your kids. Choose a segment below to begin listening!


	OUR FRIENDS Craft Supplies Family Stickers Children's Halloween Costumes Letter Stencils Main Street Mom She Knows Amanda's Craft Blog	MORE GOOD STUFF Newsletters Advertising Services Submissions Media Opportunities Link To Us Shop Feedback Staff	POPULAR AREAS Family FunBook Forums Kid's Crafts Coloring Pages Household Hints & Tips Photo Gallery Blogs e-Cards Reminder Service
Contact Us \| Copyright Notice \| Privacy Policy \| Terms of Use/Disclaimer Copyright © 1997-2007 FamilyCorner.com Magazine, Inc. FamilyCorner.com® is a registered trademark of FamilyCorner.com Magazine, Inc