Imagine your child excitedly sharing their favorite hobby, only to hear, “I’m not interested.”
Here’s the story:
”I have a friend who’s not into video games, but her child loves them. I was around their house one day and her little boy was SO excited to tell her something about his videogame and she said to him “Don’t talk to me about your videogames. Not interested” really bluntly, and he looked so sad. It would take a moment out of your day to say something like “Oh that’s really cool!” and give him a smile. Which is what I did. He smiled and then went back to playing his game.
Take an interest in what your child likes! Even if you have to fake it for a moment. I realize now as an adult that a lot of the things I was interested in as a child, my mum was actually not interested in the slightest, but looking back, I appreciate that she encouraged and at least pretended to enjoy listening to me talk about my hobbies and things I liked as a kid to make me happy.”
Why This Really Matters?
Strengthening Emotional Bonds
We all feel good when someone takes an interest in what you love. I bet kids feel the same way guys. When you show interest in their hobbies, you’re telling them, “Your world matters to me.” It’s such a simple way to build trust and create a deeper connection with your child.
Helping Them Feel Valued
Let’s face it, not everything your kids love will be your cup of tea. But when you show that you care anyway, it tells them they matter. And that’s a confidence booster every kid needs.
Teaching Respect
By respecting what lights them up—even if it’s not your thing—you’re leading by example. You’re teaching them to respect others’ passions and differences, which is a pretty awesome life skill.
Keeping the Door Open
Dismiss their interests, and you might be shutting down more than just a conversation. Kids notice when you brush them off, and it can make them hesitant to share other things with you later in life.
How to Show You Care
Ask Questions
You don’t need to be an expert in what they love—just ask! A simple, “What do you enjoy about this?” or “Can you show me how it works?” can open the door to some great conversations.
Get Involved in Their Way
Sometimes, all it takes is sitting down and listening while they talk about their favorite thing. Other times, you might hop in to play a game or watch a show with them. Just being there matters.
Find Common Ground
Look for ways to link their hobbies with something you enjoy. If they’re into video games and you’re into sports, ask about teamwork or strategy in the game. Finding a connection makes it easier for both of you to engage.
Share What You Love
Let them step into your world, too. If you’re into cooking, crafting, or anything else, invite them to join in. Just make sure it’s fun and not something that feels like a chore.
Celebrate the Little Things
When they share something they’re proud of, show them you’re proud too. A quick, “That’s awesome!” or “I’m so impressed!” can mean everything to them.
Make the Effort
Even if their hobby isn’t your thing, try to see why they love it so much. Learning a little or showing curiosity shows them you care—and that makes all the difference.
What If You’ve Messed Up?
So, you’ve said something you shouldn’t have, like, “I don’t like those games” or “I’m too busy right now” It happens. We all mess up sometimes. It’s not too late to make things right. Ask them about it and really listen. Forgive yourself for slipping up and focus on doing better next time. Kids are more forgiving than you think when they see you’re making an effort.
The Takeaway
Your kids might be into things that make you roll your eyes or wonder, “Why on earth do they like that?” But to them, it’s huge. Even the smallest effort from you—asking a question, watching for a few minutes, or smiling when they share—tells them you care. And that’s what really sticks.
Don’t wait for them to stop sharing. Lean in now, even if it’s not your thing. Because one day, they might stop asking you to listen, and you’ll wish you had. Be the parent who shows up, not the one who shrugs it off. Trust me—it’s worth it for both of you.