How to help your child stick with a new hobby or skill

Most children are excited to learn a skill or hobby, but some will struggle to stay the course. It’s all part of the learning process

Testing the waters: It takes grit to become competent at a new sport or activity, so parents should encourage children to persevere and not give up unless it’s a real struggle. Picture: iStock 

YOUR child is starting swimming lessons next week, or guitar classes, or joining a sports club. They can’t wait. Neither can you: You’re so looking forward to seeing them master a skill and make friends.

And then, a few weeks in, the gloss is gone, disillusionment has set in, they’re not so keen anymore, they want to give up. For many parents, it seems, their child gives up too easily. Why does it happen? And what can you do to help them stay the course?