How to Encourage Teenagers to Take Up New Hobbies

Getting teenagers away from their tech devices and interested in new hobbies can be a challenge for parents at any time of year. Yet exploring something new, such as playing an instrument or finding a club or activity they’ll enjoy is great for widening their social circle with like-minded friends. Trying out something different also encourages young adults to learn new skills, develop existing talents, get more exercise and grow in confidence.

This article delves into ways that parents can encourage their teenage children to take up a new hobby or inspire them to try something different, from learning a new sport or outdoor hobby to cooking their first meal and repairing a pre-loved item in their wardrobe.

Encouraging Teens Off Their Devices

Today’s teens can spend hours online chatting, gaming, or scrolling social feeds. Yet, while some screen time is normal, it’s important they have diverse interests beyond tech and TV. Teens are naturally drawn to devices to socialise, joke with friends and make arrangements.

However, pursuing new hobbies and interests are a better way to get teenagers up, out and feeling motivated at weekends, in their free time and on holidays. Encourage  your teenager to sign up for an art club, invest in guitar lessons or agree to a Go Karting session with friends for an adventurous day out. The key is to balance time spent on devices and academic work with exploring new activities that might stimulate interest in different things and develop their existing talents.

Trying Healthy and Active Hobbies

There are a variety of engaging hobbies and activities for teens to try that will keep them healthy, active and out of trouble! For one, it’s important for teens to get outside, enjoy nature and breathe in fresh air. Adopting a healthy and active routine as a teenager is beneficial and the NHS recommends they get at least 60 minutes of moderate physical activity each day. Following this routine will help young adults to maintain a healthy weight for their age, develop strong muscles and bones, improve heart health and establish a good posture. Starting an active routine in young adulthood is a good habit that will pay off in the long-term.

Establishing regular exercise is also very beneficial for a teenager’s mental health. Getting teens outdoors provides a healthy mental boost that can reduce stress and anxiety, enhance concentration and lead to better sleep. It is about getting fit and having fun so encourage your teenager to choose from swimming, skateboarding or cycling to more vigorous activities, such as running, dancing and gymnastics. If you go away as a family on holiday, look for any activity-filled trips where teenagers can enjoy a range of sports and healthy outdoor activities while you’re away. If they love kayaking in a different country they might be more likely to want to do it again back home.

Working in Teams or on Personal Challenges

Whether it’s team sports, personal fitness or outdoor adventures with friends, keeping teens engaged in regular activities from a young age is a healthy regime to instil. If you have a sporty teen who loves all kinds of team sports, being a part of a sports club, school team or playing for a local side is well documented for boosting a teen’s wellbeing. They can also teach teens social skills, build confidence and allow them to blow off steam. Football, basketball, tennis, netball and water polo, to name a few, will all promote fitness, team play and foster friendships.

In addition to team sports, individual pursuits and challenges will help teens set personal goals, develop self-discipline and gain a sense of accomplishment. Fitness classes and training for events like 5Ks or parkruns provide motivation to get active and have fun.

Volunteering and community organisations

Volunteering and joining groups or community organisations allow teens to support causes they care about and gain valuable life skills. Activities and courses that teens can sign up to that enable them to teach younger children academic subjects or sport are great for adding to a CV, meeting people and growing their confidence.

Participation with local organisations and causes is an incredibly rewarding hobby for teens to pursue. There are a variety of volunteering options in the UK to choose from, whether storytelling in a local gallery or being a tour guide on a theme you love. Fundraising for charities similarly helps to develop social skills that will last a lifetime.

Teens can connect with people outside their normal social circles and gain perspective, and gain life lessons beyond any they will learn in a classroom. Volunteering also looks great on college, uni or job applications.

If your teen loves nature and animals, consider hobbies like birdwatching, gardening, horse riding or visiting nature reserves. In addition, look for part-time assistant work at your local animal shelters or vets as these are perfect options for learning how to become more responsible.

Tapping into Creativity and Personal Passions

Creative hobbies are great for helping teens express themselves. Options include painting, pottery, sewing, jewellery-making, woodworking, photography, filmmaking and more. If you look locally, you’ll find classes that teach skills and get teens working on projects together. Local art classes are a great way for teens to learn techniques as well as learn from inspiring artists in their area. As a parent, being in the audience to support them, applaud their performance and laugh at their jokes will go a long way!

There are many healthy activities, sports and outdoor pursuits that can help tear your teenager away from their mobile phones, online games and devices for a long time. The trick is encouraging them to engage in something new, interesting, fun and entertaining that is suitable for their personality and passions. Each activity, hobby and experience can give teenagers the confidence to follow any path they want and build up a new set of skills, interests and goals in the process.