The Importance of Hobbies

Consider that children who have an avid hobby or interest that
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. My
friend wrote that if 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 shell breaks,
drag yourself through hell and back to find a replacement. This
shows them you believe in their humble collection and you
understand it's 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 all. 

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