In a recent episode of Loose Women, the panel tackled an age-old parenting dilemma: should parents get involved in their children’s hobbies? The discussion was sparked by Frankie Bridge’s weekend trip to the driving range with her sons, a lighthearted anecdote that led to a deeper conversation about the balance between bonding with your kids and maintaining your own sense of self.
Frankie opened up about her struggle with the pressure to engage in her children’s hobbies, even when she isn’t particularly interested. “Hobbies are kind of the bane of my life,” she joked. “I always feel a bit ashamed that I don’t really have any hobbies of my own. Who has time for hobbies?” She went on to recount her attempts to join her boys in their activities, including playing football. “I tried being in goal, but it hurt—definitely not for me,” she laughed. Watching her boys play golf, a sport her entire family enjoys, she found herself wondering if she needed to take up the sport just to stay connected with them.
Janet Street-Porter shared a similar sentiment, though her focus was on her relationship with her husband rather than her children. “We need to find hobbies for later life,” she said, describing a conversation with her husband about shared interests for the future when their children have left home. However, his suggestions—gardening and cooking—left her feeling uninspired. “Is this my life now? No, thank you!” she quipped.
In contrast, Brenda Edwards embraced the idea of sharing hobbies with loved ones. She revealed that she had taken up golf to bond with her partner and genuinely enjoyed it. Beyond that, Brenda actively encouraged her children’s hobbies, from helping her daughter with jewelry-making to supporting her son’s passion for filmmaking, which eventually became his career. However, she acknowledged that kids often prefer their hobbies to remain their own space. “I don’t think kids want you muscling in on their hobbies. It’s their time to be independent,” she said.
The panel ultimately agreed that while it’s important to support your children’s passions, parents don’t need to force themselves to join in. Janet humorously pointed out that hobbies like golf can be a win-win for parents, as they keep kids entertained for hours, giving parents some much-needed downtime.
This conversation highlighted a broader truth about parenting: while shared activities can bring families closer together, they shouldn’t feel like an obligation. It’s okay for parents and children to have separate interests. In fact, encouraging kids to pursue hobbies independently can foster their creativity, confidence, and sense of self.
For parents, the key lies in finding the right balance. It’s not about being involved in every aspect of your child’s life but about showing support, encouragement, and interest in what they love. And as the panel humorously concluded, sometimes the best part of a child’s hobby is the quiet time it gives the parents!
