Over years, hobbies have proved to be the medium that helps people in exploring self-identity and inner potential. When we think about it, isn’t that the true purpose of education- laying down a variety of paths before children that they may choose what captivates them and then guide them accordingly? However, on a sad note, we can see what education has come down to in this present ageshoving information into young minds while looking forward to an output that parents desire for their children. So, how can we use hobbies to recapture the essence of education? How can parents and schools be of help in redefining education? When we look at child prodigies like Adithyan Rajesh-who was nine years old when he developed his first mobile application and now owns a software firm in Dubai, or Advait Kolarkar- an Indian-born Canadian who had solo art exhibition at Canada’s Saint Joan Arts Centre when he was four years old, we can find the answers that we need. To educate children is to not just teach lessons from assigned text books and make them memorise the stuff that they’re taught. It is to help them in discovering and working on their talents that they may stand out exceptionally great in their area of interests. So, the first thing that both parents and schools can do is help children in learning more about themselves and in picking up hobbies by exposing them to various extracurricular and cocurricular activities. It is to be noted here that hobbies are not only portals for distraction, reducing chronic stress, and enhancing creativity but they also have the possibility of turning into future careers- and by that, I especially mean careers that are not usually favoured by Indian parents: photography, freelancing, writing, and careers in many other creative fieldsbecause they help children tap into their inner potential A kind reminder to elders: It is not about what you want your children to be; rather, it is about what they want to be and what they want to achieve in their lives. However, it doesn’t end here; it is the responsibility of both teachers and parents to further encourage and guide children by signing them up for competitions which can challenge them to get better at what they do. Here’s a tip- when you gift your children, give them something that can keep their specific interests burning. If you’re wondering how gifts could help, then you should know that Albert Einstein’s journey of exploring and unravelling the universe began at the age of five when his father surprised him with a gift that happened to be a magnetic compass. Moving on to the next step, I can tell from my experience and observations how important it is for parents to stand by their children when they make their choices and not withhold them from their dreams just because their future on that path is foggy or just because they keep failing. Please remember it would mean the world to your children if you have their backs, in spite of failure, because you are their first superheroes.
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