Interesting and unusual hobbies for a 9 year old?

[Stagesister]

We have a large family and I can't help feeling that my 9yo brother (the youngest) is slightly neglected. My mother works til late, and so I'm responsible for entertaining him after school. At his age I was very privileged to have lessons in horse riding; ballet, tap and jazz dance; and music lessons on two instruments (as well as having my parents taxi me around to all of the orchestras and bands which that entailed). I feel that these activities have made me more confident and happy as a person (in addition to boosting my cv!) and would like my brother to have a similarly enjoyable experience.

So far he is getting lessons on the cello, and occasionally goes to archery classes at the weekend. He loves knitting too - and I'm particularly pleased that he's challenging the gender stereotype with that one!

I think he could perhaps do with more though, as the weekday evenings are very dull for him and he inevitably ends up sat in front of the tv. I've enquired about cub scouts (as I think he would benefit especially from the social aspect) and I'm considering putting him to a children's choir. I'm not sure that team sports are for him - he seems more of the 'geeky' type!!

Any suggestions would be much appreciated :)

[trumpfamily]

It's lovely that you are so worried about your Brother but this is an issue that your parent(s) should be worrying about, they would probably be mortified that you've discussed this issue on a social forum. The financial climate is such that most parent(s) are working like mad to put food on the table and to keep a roof over the heads of their family. Please don't think badly of your parent(s) as they will trying really hard to provide for their family. Reading this message will make them really proud of the grown up way in which you have tried to handle this situation without bothering them. I'd be proud if my Daughter/Son was worried about their sibling as you are. Maybe you could do some chores around the house to free up some of your Mum's time in the evenings. In the future you won't remember the clubs you attended but the quality time with your parent(s).

[11112222]

OP - how old are you?

[EarlyInTheMorning]

It sounds to me like he's already doing quite a bit and he should learn to entertain himself away from the TV. Not every single activity needs to be laid out for him. In any case, when you said he's geeky, I thought he might enjoy Geocaching although it's not really an activity for weekdays.

[MortifiedAdams]

Rock Climbing?

[SavoyCabbage]

Scouts?

[Foundapound]

Orienteering? We have several local clubs that are aimed at kids of this age and up. It's great fun too, and adults (you!) can do it too. Have a look at British Orienteering website britishorienteering.org.uk for local clubs.

[Seeline]

I would have thought it really depends what he is interested in at that age. Have you asked him if there is anything he would like to do? Anything that his friends do that he might like to try? Cubs (Scouts start at 10 - 10.5 so you might need to put his name on a waiting list for that) IME are great because they cover a wide range of different activities from craft to sport to camping to community work, but again unless it's something he wants to do, there is little point in going as he would get so little out of it.

[codswallopandchips]

Have a look at this site: diy.org

There are lots of ideas for cool things to do, from computer programming to duct tape ninja, encouraging kids to become makers and take part in a safe online community.

If your parents are working late hours, this might be an option for expanding his choices at home.

[NicholasTeakozy]

EarlyInTheMorning beat me to it. Geocaching appeals to geeky and non geeky people alike. You can even do it via an app on a smartphone.

[UniS]

juggling.