Chaplain's Chat

Hi all, 

Hoping you are all doing well this week and enjoying your time with friends and family again. If all the difficulties of last year have taught us anything, it’s the importance of looking after your mental health and having a good, healthy outlet to be able to relax outside of work or school. Having a hobby is a great way to spend your spare time and unwind from your daily routine, whether its learning a new skill, doing something outdoors, reading or doing something musical or artistic.

Children especially need at least one interest outside of school. Having a hobby, particularly a sporty one, helps children to relax and get away from the rush and routines of school, all the while giving them a physical arena for channeling all that pent-up energy. 

Studies have shown that having a hobby leads to an increase in wellbeing that can have lasting effect throughout the rest of the week. This increased wellbeing can also increase positive traits such as creativity and resilience. Hobbies which include other people can also offer opportunities for social relationships and friendships. Keeping and maintaining a hobby throughout your life can also lead to greater outcomes as adults. Australian adults who regularly engage in hobbies are also less likely on average to experience depression, anxiety or stress. 

Other benefits for children having a hobby include

• Less stress
• Higher self-esteem
• Learning self-discipline
• Learning patience
• Learning goal-setting and decision making
• Developing critical thinking skills

If you are having difficulty finding a hobby or something which really interests your child, listen to the things they like and dislike. Observe them in play and see if you can find a key to their interest.  Then let them know you will support them and be available to provide guidance, support and encouragement. 

Some hobbies to try include

• Playing a sport like soccer, football or basketball
• Performing arts like singing, musical instruments or dancing
• Visual Arts such as painting, drawing, photography, filmmaking or drawing
• Collecting such as rocks, comics, stamps, shells and coins
• Outdoor hobbies such as hiking, camping, fishing, rock climbing or astronomy 

Remember! The best way to teach your child is through being a role model. Try finding something which interests you too and invite your child to join you in a hobby together.