I have an 8 year old boy, Robby; and a 5 year old girl, Deanna. Since they were born they have been exposed to hobbies. Because I am self employed as a hobby store owner both kids have been coming to the store with me since they were born.
The day Robby was born I was doing payroll and had to fill in a shift for a sick co-worker during that morning. Later that afternoon, my tummy was pulsing so I called my husband to take me to the hospital. Good thing, as four hours later, Robby arrived. Two days later he was in a carrier as I restocked shelves and then did paperwork for my store.
When Deanna was born I was only away for 17 hours. In Canada, I don't put into EI so I can't get Mat leave benefits. I don't work... no money comes in.
We have a model railroad (train dept.), model kits, rocketry, crafts, regular priced stock and a clearance center. So my kids have a choice. And since my husband and I are both into hobbies, the kids follow.
This picture is of my son on his 8th birthday. It was at my store and his friends gave him items to do with his hobbies. Trains, Star Wars and homemade cards and gifts.
My son loves trains. So our family designed a simple layout for our basement that folds into the wall when not in use that has a track for both of my kids and was simple to do.
My daughter loves crafts and creating things. She is starting to show interest in the science kits we have and scratch building supplies.
We also do dioramas which are 'scenes' to play on or display. Like mountains and rivers.
Talk to your kids about what you used to do as a child, they may just want to try that too!
