Take Action: 9 Ways to Help Your Kids Get Busy

There is a whole world to explore for little ones, so help them navigate the options and find a hobby that puts a smile on their faces. Amy Taylor, a school psychologist and parent educator based in Los Angeles, shares some tips on how to give your child quality direction in pursuing his or her interests.

Hobbies are not merely a fun pastime—they're an integral part of childhood development, so it's important that you work with your child to find one that suits her interests. "Hobbies are important to build self-esteem, foster a sense of achievement and can serve as a wonderful mechanism for learning," Taylor says.

Take your child's interests seriously by helping to create his own personal workshop area where he can pursue that passion, according to Taylor. "Set up a workspace in your home for your child's projects, such as the corner of your garage, with ample and forgiving room to handle paint spills and other inevitable creative messes," Taylor said.

"Follow your child's lead in matching their interest with a hobby," Taylor said. "If your child is a budding Picasso, sign them up for a painting lesson or take them to the art store to pick out new brushes and canvases."

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Remember, what you want for your kids may not be what they want. You might have visions of your little girl dripping in tutus and glitter and spinning around in ballet class, but if her idea of fun is playing soccer, honor her decision. Same goes if your little guy prefers swimming to, say, baseball or basketball. Let your child lead the way when it comes to her personal interests. Maybe all she wants to do is go outside and collect bugs.

Success, yes; perfection, no. It's normal for kids to be competitive to some degree, but remind your child that life is not an Olympic event. Hobbies are about progress, not perfection. Joy is the important thing. She might stumble during that floor routine in gymnastics class, but, if she loves what she's doing, that's all that matters.

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Interest in a new activity can ebb and flow, so encourage your child to give it a go but to also follow his heart. He may just need a breather before returning to his hobby with restored excitement. But also do not hesitate to expose him to new activities.

Cultivate your own interest. A child is more apt to take on a hobby if mom and dad are involved, and exploring mutual interests is a terrific way to forge familial bonds. You like pottery? Look for a family-friendly class that caters to kids and adults. Classics like stamp and coin collecting are also great starters.

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Your job is to cheer. It's not to be a critic. If your child has a gallery showing of his artwork, be there for support. Your physical presence will prove to your child that it's not just about buying the supplies, but also about believing in his passion.