I’ve loved learning and performing magic. I first became interested in magic when I was 8, but as I got older, I began to appreciate how I’ve actually been helped from it. It is easy for me to see how having magic as a hobby has positively influenced me over the years. Here are eight reasons that magic is a great hobby for kids that you should encourage your kids to explore.
1. Boosts Confidence
Research with 10-12-year old’s indicated that learning magic tricks was more effective than typical classes designed to improve children’s self-esteem and confidence. As an 8-year-old, I gained a lot of confidence being able to baffle my friends and even more self-confidence when I confounded my parents. When kids learn something new like a magic trick that can be bragged about, they feel really good about themselves. They shine with delight and pride. For at least one magic trick, any timid child has special superpowers that only they can wield. They’re less likely to be bullied or to bully other kids. Nothing says “self-confidence” more than that.
2. Improves Public Speaking
Magic tricks have a “script” that is used and said every time you do the trick. Even the simplest of tricks use a script, and when kids learn to memorize the script for the trick, they are working on their public speaking! A kid at a young age who is relaxed with speaking in front of a group of people, will have an advantage as they get older over others who have not.
3. Promotes Self Discipline
Learning magic tricks requires self-discipline and determination. Without these skills, a magician will not be successful. Some tricks take a couple of minutes to learn (self-working) while others might take weeks or months (sleight of hand). I’ve learned hundreds of challenging magic tricks through only self-discipline and determination; two-character traits any parent would want for their child.
4. Improves Motor Skills
This is the obvious reason why kids should learn to do magic tricks. Every magic trick your kid does will involve a lot of hand movements which eventually improves their dexterity.
5. Improves Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is desired by most employers, but it is a skill that not many people have. Learning, watching, and performing magic will improve critical thinking. Your kid will be able to solve a problem by using critical thinking because it requires analyzing a trick from several perspectives. The more magic tricks kids watch, the more they will be thinking outside the box and be able to untangle the secret.
6. Help Others
Some of my favorite experiences entertaining with magic have been in hospitals, nursing homes, and Ronald McDonald Houses. Nothing is more rewarding than making children and adults smile, especially those who are ill or going through challenging times. People of all ages love magic and it allows for a momentary distraction from whatever pain and hardships they might be experiencing.
7. Promotes Reading
One of the first ways most kids learn magic tricks is from magic books, so your kids will have to read at some point to learn to do their magic tricks. This can be one way of inculcating the habit of reading in a young child.
8. Promotes Fun
It is great way to have a fun and productive way to spend quality time around the table with your kid. There are also many tricks that need two people, and you and your kid could maybe form a team! So, this weekend, put aside all your important work and spend some time teaching or learning some magic with your kids.
These are but eight reasons that magic is a great hobby for kids, and you should encourage your kids to explore.