Date Published: 24/01/2025
As children, we don’t always know how to put our feelings into words. I’ve been there. Some emotions feel so big, so complicated, that trying to say them out loud just makes you more frustrated. That’s where hobbies come in—they’re a way of speaking without words, a way of processing what’s going on when you can’t make sense of it yet.
For me, hobbies weren’t just a pastime—they were a lifeline. When I needed to vent frustration, I listened to music. I was an artistic kid, always happy creating something. Writing, too, was my go-to. It’s always been easier for me to put my thoughts on paper than to say them out loud without stumbling over myself.
Every child finds their own way to navigate big feelings. Here are five hobbies—some I’ve loved myself—that can help kids express what’s on their minds and hearts, backed by insights from trusted organizations.
1. Art and Drawing
Art has always been something I love. As a kid, I’d spend hours sketching, doodling, and letting my imagination spill out onto paper. Looking back, it wasn’t just about creativity—it was about finding a way to process what I couldn’t say. Art gave me an outlet when words felt clumsy.
According to the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT), creating art can help children express emotions they might struggle to verbalize. Art therapy has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve emotional resilience in young people. For kids like me, who might bottle things up, art becomes a safe space to release and reflect.
Encourage kids to pick up a pencil, paintbrush, or crayon. It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece—it just has to be theirs.
2. Music
There’s something about music that goes straight to your emotions. Growing up, when things felt overwhelming, I’d plug in my headphones and lose myself. These days, I vent my frustration to the sound of Limp Bizkit and Rage Against the Machine. It’s cathartic, like screaming without actually screaming.
Youth Music UK highlights that music not only helps children express emotions but also builds confidence and social skills. Whether they’re playing an instrument, singing along to their favorite songs, or just listening to something that resonates, music gives kids a way to process their feelings in a way that words can’t always capture.
For kids who love to make noise (or need to), music is the perfect outlet.
3. Writing and Journaling
Writing has always been my go-to. Even as a kid, I found it easier to put my feelings on paper than to try and speak them out loud. There’s something about writing—whether it’s journaling, poetry, or even stories—that lets you work through your thoughts without the pressure of getting it right on the first try.
The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) recommends journaling as a therapeutic tool for children, noting how it provides a safe, reflective space to process feelings. Writing doesn’t just help kids organize their thoughts—it gives them ownership of their emotions, on their own terms.
Encourage kids to keep a notebook or journal, even if they only write a line or two at a time. It’s not about perfection—it’s about giving them a voice.
4. Sports and Physical Activities
When I wasn’t drawing or writing, I was moving. Karate lessons, running at the Dorothy Hyman, playing pool—physical activity was always a part of my life. What I didn’t realize at the time was how much those activities were doing for my mental health.
Sport England emphasizes the role of physical activity in reducing stress, boosting self-esteem, and improving overall mental health. For children, movement isn’t just about fitness—it’s about releasing emotions, building confidence, and finding a sense of accomplishment.
Whether it’s a team sport, dance, or simply running around in the garden, physical activity is a brilliant way for kids to channel their energy and emotions into something positive.
5. Video Games
Video games were another escape for me. Whether I was exploring Skyrim, the world of SuperMario, or the many Pokemon regions, games gave me a sense of adventure and control that I couldn’t always find elsewhere. They allowed me to take a break from reality when it felt too heavy and offered a space to just be.
A UNICEF report highlights that certain video games, when balanced and age-appropriate, can help children process emotions, build problem-solving skills, and develop social connections. Games can provide kids with a sense of achievement, creativity, and even calm—if you choose the right ones.
Like anything, gaming is best in moderation. But for kids who love it, it’s another way to express themselves and escape for a while.
Why Hobbies Matter
Hobbies aren’t just activities—they’re tools for growth, self-expression, and healing. Whether it’s art, music, writing, sports, or video games, these outlets give kids the freedom to explore their emotions and navigate life’s challenges in their own way.
Looking back, I can see how much these hobbies shaped me. They weren’t just distractions—they were lifelines, giving me a way to process what I couldn’t always say. As parents, caregivers, or loved ones, it’s our job to encourage kids to find what works for them, to give them the space to explore and the tools to thrive.
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