January is National Hobby Month

January is National Hobby Month so what better time than the new year to start with a new hobby. Research buried hobbies or interests this winter and get involved in something new. Help your kids beat the winter blahs by signing them up for a sports group, scout troop, or helping them with a new collection or craft interest.

Scouts
Contact Boy Scouts of America @ www.scouting.org and Girl Scouts of the USA at www.girlscouts.org

Karate
www.karateplanet.com for terminology and a guided tour for beginners, intermediates, and advanced students

Dance

Gymnastics

Sports (Soccer, Basketball, Tennis, Swimming)
Check out your local YMCA or Recreation Center for class schedules and registration forms

Cooking & Baking

Crafts (Beading, Paper Dolls, Sewing, Scrapbooking, Balloon Creations, Origami, Stained Glass)
Visit your local library for specialized craft books or search online for free crafts. Family Fun, www.familyfun.com, offers great ideas, practical advice, and fun stuff to do

Reading
Check your local library for suggested reading lists by age group and reading groups or book clubs. Librarians usually have hand-outs of outstanding Children’s Literature for your perusal, as well as lists of Caldecott Winners & Nationally Recognized books

Collecting (Stamps, Stickers, Pez Dispensers, Beanie Babies)
Stamps are always neat and educational to collect. Check out www.usps.com . Look for the “Collector’s Corner” and click on “Stamp Collecting” for detailed information on how to start your own stamp collection. You can even find information on Stamp Collector groups open to new members

Toys
Kites, Models, Trains
www.molokai.com will show you how to make your own kite

Robots

Magic
Card Tricks, Rope Tricks, Coin Tricks

LEGOs

Juggling
Check out www.sportjugglingco.com for a free tutorial on how to juggle

Science

Electronics

Remote Control Toys
Check out www.remote-control-toys.com for cars, helicopters, airplanes, boats, trucks, and accessories to begin your collection

Find out as much as you can about whatever your child is crazy about. A hobby will keep them entertained during dreary weather and help them entertain themselves throughout the year.