Exposing Your Child Who Is Blind or Low Vision to Hobbies

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Hobbies are more than just fun. They help kids learn in their own way. When children engage in hobbies, they see how practice leads to getting better. They feel more confident too.

Hobbies teach many skills. Some of these skills are about working with others and thinking creatively. These include teamwork, problem-solving, and being flexible. Other skills are more specific, like reading, writing, or gardening. Hobbies can teach both!

It’s great for your child to learn these skills by doing things they enjoy. This way, they don’t just learn for tests or because they have to. They learn because they want to. Try to show your child different hobbies. See which ones they like most.

Talk about what your child learns while they are having fun. This helps them understand more. Support them in getting better at their hobbies. This can be through practice, showing their hobbies to others, or finding books and websites about what they love.

Hobbies for My Child

• Use your child’s current interests to help guide your exploration of hobbies. Ask yourself: “What are my child’s abilities and curiosities?
  • Talking or Singing
  • Listening to Stories
  • Tinker with objects, or take them apart
  • Love being physically active
  • Enjoys time in water
  • Helping in the kitchen
• What hobbies would provide opportunities to practice underdeveloped skills or muscles? If your child is naturally shy, you may consider a group pastime. If your child displays poor gross motor skills, you may consider a strength-building pastime.
• What social clubs or activities are available in your area?
• How much time does your child have to pursue a hobby/practice the skills necessary for the hobby?

After deciding several hobbies to introduce to your child, consider how the hobbies can be tailored to your child’s unique abilities and skill levels. After all, fun and learning are the goals, not frustration. For example, if learning to play the piano is a hobby you foresee your child enjoying, perhaps you can work with a piano teacher to create appropriate goals for his age and skill level.