How Parents Can Help Children Discover Their True Interests and Build Confidence
Helping a child uncover what they enjoy is a key step in choosing the right hobby. In conversations and through practical experiences, parents can guide a young person toward activities that resonate with their temperament and curiosity. Insights from a well-known psychologist and ACT therapist, Leoni Anastasia Eronina, emphasize that talent diagnosis in children benefits from a blend of discussion and hands-on trial. This approach keeps the process grounded in real life and avoids assuming a single path guarantees success.
When a child tries an activity and finds it lacks appeal, it is perfectly normal to shift course and explore another option. The expert stresses patience as families navigate this exploration. The idea is to let curiosity lead and to recognize that trial and repetition are part of learning what sticks. Parents who create a supportive environment help children feel secure enough to experiment without fearing failure.
In this developmental phase, a child is learning to identify likes and dislikes and to form personal values. As the child participates in different activities, progress becomes meaningful only when there is visible effort behind outcomes. Encouraging messages that emphasize effort over innate talent can reinforce a healthy mindset. A practical perspective often highlighted by researchers is that success is built on consistent work and perseverance. This shift away from fixed talent helps children understand that skill grows over time with practice and dedication.
Recent findings from a Profilum study, which was reviewed by several outlets, indicate that roughly one in three schoolchildren spend more than six hours weekly on extracurricular activities. Despite this engagement, a striking majority of parents express a desire to expand the range of clubs and programs available to their children. The data point to a strong parental wish for broader opportunities that can suit different interests and schedules, underscoring the role families play in shaping a child’s extracurricular life. The study’s implications for educators and communities are clear: diverse offerings and flexible participation options can support adolescence development and skill acquisition. [Citation: Profilum study, as summarized by various media outlets]
For parents aiming to help their child overcome shyness or social hesitation at school, concrete, age-appropriate strategies can make a difference. Small steps, supportive feedback, and structured participation in group activities can gradually boost confidence. The emphasis is on creating safe spaces where children feel encouraged to express themselves, ask questions, and take on small leadership roles within clubs or teams. The goal is to transform timid moments into opportunities for social learning, not to rush social development. [Attribution: broader child development research and observed classroom practices]