The importance of encouraging hobbies.
Hobbies and sports can encourage self-expression and will help foster children develop their own identities. The realisation of a skill or passion can improve self-esteem and improve their outlook on life. It can also be a constructive form of escapism. If a child has suffered neglect or trauma a pastime can help in moving on and in rediscovering happiness.
In younger children hobbies can improve cognitive function. Similarly, it can help in the development of critical thinking and imagination. In older children in can improve emotional empathy and could potentially, even make them more employable in the future.
Team LondonFostering.