Whether it’s soccer practice, piano lessons, robotics club, or theater rehearsals—so many of us are raising kids who are involved in activities outside of school. And while these things might seem like just one more item on the calendar, they’re often where some of the most meaningful growth happens.
In this post, I want to share a few reflections on how we, as parents, can support our kids through their hobbies, sports, and creative pursuits—not just to help them succeed, but to help them grow. Whether your child is just starting something new, switching gears, or going all in on something big, your role matters in helping them make the most of the experience.
Why Activities Matter More Than We Think
Let’s start here: Most kids don’t dive into activities all on their own. Often, we’re the ones signing them up, based on what we value or what we think they’ll enjoy.
For us, it was dance. We signed Josie up when she was four—not because she begged to go, but because we wanted her to try something active that supported her coordination and confidence. Over time, her love for it grew—and so did the lessons. Now, several years later, dance is a major part of her world, and she’s gained so much more than technique. She’s learning confidence, resilience, and body appreciation—lessons I hope stick with her long after the last recital.
Whatever your child is into—sports, arts, clubs, or anything else—ask yourself:
What do I hope they take away from this experience, beyond skill or performance?
Perseverance vs. Pushing Too Hard
We’ve spent the last few episodes talking about pressure, and activities are a common place where it shows up. Sometimes the pressure is external, but sometimes it’s us—encouraging our kids to stick with something they may not be loving anymore.
It’s important to ask:
Are they struggling through something they want to overcome—or are they truly dreading it?
If your child is consistently dragging their feet, doing the bare minimum, or no longer enjoying the activity itself, it might be time to reflect together. Ask questions like:
- What do you still enjoy about this?
- What’s been feeling hard lately?
- Are you still learning and growing here?
Sometimes, they might be holding on for the social aspect or because they think it’s expected. In those moments, we can support their self-awareness—not by pushing them to quit or persevere, but by helping them notice what they need.
On the other hand, if they say, “I still love it—I just feel stuck,” our role becomes helping them reconnect to their “why” and supporting them in recharging their motivation.
Why Even Passionate Kids Should Try New Things
Even if your child has found their “thing,” it’s healthy to encourage curiosity elsewhere.
New experiences build adaptability, self-awareness, and even complementary skills. A dancer might benefit from theater, a robotics kid might learn from math club. And even if they come away saying, “That wasn’t for me,” they’re learning something valuable about themselves.
Josie tried the school basketball program for three years. After the last season, she said, “I like watching basketball, but I don’t want to do that again—I like dance way more.” That was a win. She explored, reflected, and reaffirmed what she loves most.
Trying new things doesn’t threaten identity—it strengthens it.
Supporting Big Dreams Without Adding Pressure
If your child has serious long-term goals—whether it’s a college scholarship or a creative career—you might wonder how to support them without turning up the pressure.
Here’s how:
- Help them stay balanced. Prioritize rest, relationships, and joy alongside their commitment.
- Support their growth. Help them set goals, reflect on progress, and celebrate effort.
- Teach them how to recover. Failure is part of the journey. Let them know one mistake doesn’t define their worth—or derail their dreams.
No matter how big the dream, the principles are the same:
Focus on effort, not outcomes.
Celebrate commitment, not perfection.
Nurture who they’re becoming, not just what they’re achieving.
Try These Conversation Starters Tonight
Not sure where to start? Here are three questions to help spark reflection:
- “What’s something you’ve learned about yourself from [activity]?”
- “Has there been a moment in practice (or a meeting, event, etc.) when you felt really proud of how you handled something?”
- “Is there something new you’d want to try—just for fun?”
💛 Want the full conversation?
This post is based on Episode #7 of the podcast, What I Want My Kids to Know—available now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!
Tune in for deeper stories, parenting mindset shifts, and real-life examples to help you support your child’s growth through their hobbies, sports, and passions.
📩 Have a story or moment of your own to share? Send me a DM on Instagram @whatiwantmykidstoknow_pod or email me at hello@whatiwantmykidstoknow.com. I’d love to hear from you!
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