In my years working with teenagers, the most common complaint I hear is “I’m bored!” While it may seem there are countless ways for teens to spend their time, many of these activities leave them feeling unfulfilled. It’s not uncommon for teens to express boredom even while scrolling through social media.
The time off from school during the holidays, or during spring or summer break, can be a great opportunity to start a new hobby. So you might be asking yourself, “How can I help, and why is this important?“
Hi, my name is Alysha Menkis, a Child Therapist at Pivot Child Psychological Services, and in this article I’ll share how hobbies can reduce boredom in your teen.
The Importance of Hobbies
Hobbies provide more than just outlets for creativity; they also foster skills, boost confidence, improve problem-solving abilities, and increase emotional well-being.
Helping Your Teen Get Started
1. Start a Conversation: Begin by talking to your teen about their interests. If they can’t come up with any, note any interests you’ve observed or make a few suggestions like art, technology, movies, music, books, comics, or nature.
2. Research and Explore: Once you have a list of interests (it doesn’t have to be long), start researching how to turn those interests into hobbies.
3. Support and Encourage: It’s crucial for your teen to feel supported in whichever hobby they select, as long as it’s safe and healthy.
Example: The Superhero Movie Enthusiast
If your teen enjoys superhero movies, it’s important to balance screen time with physical and social activities.
Some ideas for this particular hobby could include:
- Attending local film festivals
- Finding movie memorabilia
- Reading books the movies are based on
- Having movie-themed trivia nights
Gather up some courage and start a conversation with your teen about their interests and potential hobbies. You might be surprised at what they come up with!
And if you find that you need additional support, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us today. We’re here to help.