As parents, we work to create a strong connection with our children. These 8 unique hobbies are a fun way to explore and bond with your child.
We want to keep our children off screens at least for a few hours a day and to spend time together as a family. But life often has different plans, and in our busy lives, this goal tends to take a backseat.
This dilemma troubles many parents, which is why we’ve come up with a wonderful solution that addresses the essential aspects of bonding and growth. We’ve chosen eight unique activities and hobbies that can bring joy and offer significant value for all of you.
Let’s discover them together >>
#1 Learning to Dance
What You'll Find on This Page
When we’re happy, the urge to jump and dance often comes naturally. Conversely, when we are dancing, it makes us feel happier. It’s a fantastic activity that anyone can enjoy and a delightful way to strengthen bonds and share quality time.
Dancing boosts physical fitness. It also enhances coordination and rhythm. There’s a wide range of dance styles to explore, from hip-hop and ballroom to Flamenco and Samba, each with its unique costumes that add to the excitement.
Learning to dance can be a powerful adventure for both you and your child. It encourages creativity and self-expression and will make both of you face challenges, successes, and difficulties, which can teach self-awareness and acceptance and undoubtedly will bring you closer while having a great time.
#2 Upcycling
Think together about things you need, like storage boxes to tidy up your child’s room or creative planters for decorating a wall with plants. Combining upcycling with something you really need makes it more meaningful.
There are tons of great, helpful tutorials on YouTube that show how to turn almost anything into something new and useful. It’s a cool way to teach your child about being sustainable and will open his mind to endless creative possibilities.
By upcycling, you show your child the importance of reducing waste and reusing materials instead of throwing them away. Together, you can have fun doing DIY projects and give old stuff a new life.
Here’s some inspiration from this site!
Upcycled Crafts
All of these crafts use materials that would otherwise end up in the trash or recycling.
#3 Grow Veggies
Ever tried growing your own veggies? It’s so satisfying, isn’t it?
Growing veggies is an awesome activity to try with your child, even if you live in the city. You can plant vegetables in small pots or upcycled containers on your balcony or join community gardens if available. Gardening teaches children about nature, responsibility, and the joy of watching plants grow from seed to harvest.
Growing plants together lets you get your hands dirty together and spend time outside. It teaches important life skills and helps children understand where food comes from. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy fresh, homegrown veggies as a tasty reward!
#4 Cooking Around the World
Teaching your kids to cook early on is a wonderful way to equip them with valuable life skills and encourage their independence in the kitchen.
Exploring global cuisines together will make you discover new flavors and meet other traditions. It’s a fascinating way to introduce your child to different cultures and their food heritage. It can also teach them tolerance and cultural awareness.
This experience is practical and provides enjoyable bonding time while daring to go on a culinary adventure.
#5 Basic Carpentry
Carpentry is a fun and rewarding hobby. Building simple projects like a postbox or a stool together provides an opportunity for learning handcrafting and teamwork. From measuring and cutting to assembling and finishing, you can create practical items and achieve a sense of accomplishment and self-reliance.
Carpentry projects encourage creativity and problem-solving, and by working side by side, you strengthen your bond and can enjoy the results of your joint efforts.
Inspiration to get you started? You got it!
#6 Camping Together
Camping is a delightful way to connect with your child and with nature. It offers a break from the daily routine and the opportunity to unplug from technology. Together, you can explore the outdoors, set up camp, build a fire, cook meals, and share stories under the starry sky.
While camping, you can teach your child about wildlife and plant life. You can learn about astronomy and, of course, hike together.
If you need some valuable tips on how to camp with your kids, check out this guide.
#7 Sewing
As a kid, I helped my mom sew the simple stitches on her machine, and she made me the clothes I wanted. I didn’t know that I was actually designing my clothes. Going with her to the market to choose fabrics was my special delight. Many years later, I became a fashion designer (:
Sewing is a cherished skill that allows you to craft together, whether in making your own clothes, accessories, quilts, or other creative projects (and it’s super handy if you want to repair old clothes you love). It instills patience and attention to details while opening a whole world of creativity, individual style, and independence.
You can start by doing simple things like pillowcases and Tote bags for grocery shopping, and advance to slightly more complex projects like pants or ponchos.
As you select fabrics and work on projects together, you share not only practical sewing skills but also the joy of crafting something unique.
Sewing Projects to Get You Started
Sewing Projects for Kids
Sewing projects for kids, including patterns to make soft toys at home that are free to download.
#8 Learning How to Play an Instrument
Playing the guitar (or any instrument – ukulele is an easy starter instrument) is a dream many adults never had the time to fulfill! Learning to play together with your kid is a good opportunity to make that dream come true while spending quality time together.
Both of you can practice discipline and patience, but the main benefit is your ability to play music. You and your child can progress together, share your musical journey, and even perform for family and friends. It’s a wonderful way to spend quality time while nurturing a lifelong hobby and passion for music.
Click here to read our guide on music and parenting
To Wrap it up
The journey of exploring unique hobbies together with your child is a great investment in your relationship and personal growth. These hobbies are not just about what you create, learn, and practice but an opportunity for beautiful moments you share along the way together.
ENJOY!
Have you enjoyed any of these unique hobbies with your children? Which one is your favorite? Is there one you would add to our list?
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Pazit R.
Pazit R. is a fashion designer with over a decade of experience. She’s a seasoned digital nomad, and that allows her to meet the expression of fashion in different cultures around the world. In 2022, she started her fashion blog, Shawlovers.com, where she shares valuable info and tips about shawls and wraps of all kinds. She’s also a huge DIYer and frequently dyes her own garments.
You know, I never particularly thought of upcycling for something to do with my kids.
I bet you’ve done it without thinking of it that way – any time you craft with cardboard boxes, for example…