Risky Business: The Right Way To Support Your Children In Hobbies That Make You Nervous

With benefits including high self-esteem, additional learning, and a wider social circle, the plus points of hobbies for kids speak for themselves. However, while you might’ve had something like playing the piano in mind, there’s a very strong chance that your children will have different ideas, or sights set on generally riskier hobby undertakings like high-energy sports, water activities, and more. 

Of course, despite your worries, dissuading your children from undeniably beneficial extracurriculars like these obviously isn’t an option. The question is, how can you make sure that they’re safe, and that you’re putting your worries at rest when they do get stuck into hobbies of this nature? 

Get them the right safety gear

While most classes provide things like children lifejackets, harnesses, and helmets, the fact that this equipment is used time and again and may be exposed to bumps that degrade its quality is reason enough for most parents to stock up on equipment themselves. From buying life jackets when your child decides to try kayaking to stocking up on a professionally-fitted helmet for their skateboarding pursuit, these precautions can go a long way towards helping you feel happier, and ensuring that accidents don’t end in A&E. Admittedly, you might want to avoid jumping right in with sometimes hefty expenses like these until your child has tried out a hobby and decided that it’s a good fit. However, if they’ve had a term or more of lessons and still seem passionate, these expenses are more than worth making. 

Seek highly-recommended classes

While all hobby classes are subject to government checks, some teachers are inevitably more experienced/better than others. Certainly, a dedicated rock climbing class at your local leisure centre is going to see your child receiving more specialised lessons than they might if a PE teacher at school decides to hold classes of a similar nature. Equally, supportive, dedicated teachers provide a far safer environment in general. As such, it’s always worth looking around before settling on a class, and making sure to keep an eye out for the best-recommended, most qualified teachers that you can find. 

Focus on the positives

As parents, we’re often predisposed to dwell on things like potential risks where our children are concerned, even when those risks seem unlikely. Still, the fact remains that even hobbies you deem risky can provide your kids with a load of benefits. In fact, with most ‘risky’ options being high in energy and skill, these hobbies are often the best options for keeping our kids fit, giving them confidence, and ensuring that they learn something new. By focusing on these facts rather than any imagined negatives, you should find it far easier to offer support and calm any nerves that could otherwise end up holding your kids back.

Regardless of the hobbies your children choose, the benefits on offer are always too tempting to ruin with worries about any risks. Make sure you’re able to support your children in every pursuit they choose with the help of these pointers.