BACK TO BLOGWe recently caught up with Rowan about the importance of hobbies and passions in children and how they can help shape young lives. See the full article below:
I remember those days, thousands of feet in the air, slowly gliding back down to earth. The calm controlled descent, the world stretched out below me. Those moments were such a contrast to the turbulence of my life as a foster child. Many would not expect my story to end with a happy marriage, thriving daughters, and a career brimming with accolades. After all, foster care was my reality, a landscape littered with instability and uncertainty. Yet, amidst the turbulence, a beacon of hope emerged: the Air Training Corps (ATC). This was not just a group; it was an incubator for dreams, a launchpad for self-discovery, and the catalyst for the fulfilling life I lead today.
ATC was not a respite from my foster care journey; it was a parallel universe where labels faded, and possibilities bloomed. Here, I was not a foster child, I was a cadet, soaring through the skies in gliders, navigating leadership courses with newfound confidence, and discovering skills I never knew I possessed. The uniform was not just fabric; it was a badge of empowerment, a reminder that I could rise above my circumstances and write my own narrative.
My ATC experience was not unique. Research tells us that nurturing passions, like my love for flying, unlocks a treasure trove of benefits. Studies, like one published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, highlight the link between extracurricular activities and increased self-esteem in teenagers. The American Psychological Association emphasises how mastering skills through hobbies fuels a sense of accomplishment and boosts confidence. Even Harvard University research reveals that children who pursue passions with dedication demonstrate greater perseverance and intrinsic motivation, key ingredients for lifelong success.
But it is not just about statistics; it is about the transformative power of finding your spark. That is why I founded Fostered Futures, a charity helping individuals with care experience of all ages discover and nurture their passions. We recognise the lifelong value building skills and confidence can have. This journey is not about pre-determined paths or rigid plans. It is about igniting curiosity, letting imaginations soar, and finding that perfect harmony between a child and their passion. Every child with care experience/in care deserves the chance to reach for the sky, just like I did.
Here are some top tips to help a child find that hobby or passion:
Embrace Exploration: Encourage curiosity and trying new things without pressure. Provide access to a variety of activities, classes, and experiences. Let them explore different sports, arts, music, nature, technology, and anything else that sparks their interest.
Observe and Listen: Pay attention to what the child naturally gravitates towards, their strengths, and what brings them joy. Listen to their interest and curiosities, even if they seem unusual. This can offer valuable clues about potential passions.
Make it Fun and Accessible: Remove any barriers or anxieties around trying new things. Offer support and encouragement, making it a fun and positive experience. Be flexible and adaptable to their interests and attention span.
Connect with Role Models: Introduce the child to people who are passionate about different hobbies. This could be through mentors, community groups, workshops, or online resources. Seeing someone’s enthusiasm can be contagious and inspiring.
Celebrate Progress and Uniqueness: Acknowledge and celebrate any effort or progress the child makes, even if they do not stick with something long-term. Every experience is valuable for learning and growth. Remember finding a passion takes time and exploration so be patient and supportive.
It is not just about their passions, and we know many of you are passionate about being parents. As part of the efforts to support people with care experience we are building a network of change makers who all want to improve the lives of care experienced people. Parenting Matters is one of these groups, a team of outstanding experts who have developed an interactive and highly effective parenting course and community. Their bitesize exercises cover both the foundation of parenting Love and the Limits we establish to build a healthy environment. Parenting Matters are offering any foster carers or parents with care experience a discount code so you can benefit from continuing to develop your parenting skills. Check out https://parentingmatters.co.uk and use code Futures2024 to benefit from the 50% discount available until the 31 st of March.
And in relation to your foster child’s skills remember, the key is to choose activities that align with your child's natural inclinations and interests. Let them explore different options and find their spark!
Together, we can help all children in care soar beyond the stars.
