Channeling Your Child’s Interests in a Positive Way
Every child is different. Every parent is different. One thing that tends to be true for all parents, though, is that they want to encourage their child’s interests and help them grow up to be empowered.
How to do that, though, can feel like a mystery! As someone who has studied special education and now focuses my attention on helping parents and teachers raise the next generation of activists, I’ve got some tips to help you channel your child’s interests in a positive way – a way that will help them feel empowered and help the community.
Imaginative Play/Conversations
The world is full of technology these days, and that can be a good thing. But imagination is important, too.
If your child is into trains, get a train set and play together. Make up stories about the track, where it’s going, the passengers and their lives, etc. This both gives you further insight about their passions and interests as well as creates lasting memories.
Maybe your kid loves their dollys. Ask them about each one – their names, what their favorite foods, etc. are. Expand the discussion to help you understand your child’s interests. Allow your child to lead you through “a day in dolly’s life.” It’ll be fun and interesting, I promise!
Perhaps your child is the creative type and likes to draw, paint, or write. Encourage them to draw, paint, or write things they love and share them with you. Then have a conversation about why they love what they drew, painted, or wrote about.
You get the idea. Be creative and use your imagination, too!
Make the Most of Teachable Moments
Whether you’re watching TV together or doing something out in the world, your child is likely full of questions. Use those moments to do more than answer their questions. Talk about why it matters to them and help them to understand how they can make a difference in something scary. For help with this, check out my guide What to Do When Your Child Asks Scary Questions.
Teachable moments don’t always involve your kids asking questions. They can also look like:
Seeing something that’s not aligned with your values and taking the time to talk with your kid about why that’s the case
Observing another child behaving in a way you’d prefer your kid doesn’t and using that opportunity to talk to your kids about a better way of handling that type of situation
Reading a book together and expanding the conversation beyond the pages of the story
Encourage Community Involvement
Even young children can be involved in the community.
Perhaps you’ve learned your child likes trains because they’re interested in the mechanics of it. See if there is an organization in your area that offers free or reduced mechanical work on cars for people with low incomes. If there is, reach out to them and see if they’d be willing to let your child visit periodically.
Maybe you’ve found out that your child loves their dolls because they like to care for people. Contact your local United Way or a similar organization and talk to them about your kid. There’s probably something your child can do right now. Some ideas:
Visit and/or become pen pals with the elderly in a local nursing home or assisted living facility
Deliver meals on wheels (with your help of course)
Your child’s creative side can be used to benefit the community, too! They could donate their work to a local organization to be used as part of a raffle or other fundraiser, for example.
If you’re still struggling to find ways to engage your child in the community, consider encouraging them to donate their birthday to a non-profit that does something aligned with their interests.
But…What are My Child’s Interests
Maybe you’re not quite ready to channel and encourage your child’s interests yet. Maybe you’re still learning what those are. That’s okay, too!
If you need help, check out my free guide 8 Ways to Help Your Child Find Their Passion and Purpose.
What other ways have you helped your child channel their interests? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear what you’re doing!