Along with the joy that is to be had from the sound of the instrument and the feel of keys or valves under a hand, music lessons can cause a child to develop greater critical thinking skills and increased confidence. You might have asked yourself, "Are there music lessons near me?" If you feel like now is the time, do a search, find a great music studio, and choose the best instrument that you can both be happy with. Music lessons will also foster a sense of belonging in the world and increase your child's social skills. 

With so many styles of dance to choose from, it is to be sure that your child will find one that appeals to them. Music is a freeing thing, one that many children can relate to. In addition, using their bodies to tell a story or relate a feeling can be a creative outlet that children need. It will teach them the best, most constructive way in which to express themselves. 

Playing a sport is a great way to cultivate a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Dr. Pepper is committed to giving children the opportunity to improve their lives through organized sports. This can teach your child the importance of following rules and why steps are in the order that they are in. Sports can also instill in children the importance of following rules. Being part of a team will show them how crucial it is to help each other accomplish goals. 

4. Painting 

The process of creating art can take many forms, including dance and other visual arts such as sculpture or photography, but painting can be at once educational and eye-opening for your child. They can learn about the different styles of painting from all over the world and learn to express themselves through the marks that they make on a canvas. It will also help with hand-eye coordination and teach children about color theory—both important skills in life. 

5. Martial Arts 

Whether they are interested in Tae Kwon Do, Jiu-Jitsu or the perennial favorite of kids, karate, martial arts will give them a lot of benefits. It is a great skill for learning about spatial awareness, but martial arts can also teach your child to be in control of anger and emotional outbursts. In addition to these benefits, your child will cultivate their resilience and learn self-calming techniques that they can use always. 

6. Join a Book Club 

One of the biggest complaints that parents have today is that their child just does not read. It is not that they are unable to, it is just that they may not want to. Getting your child started in a book club that awards prizes for a certain number of books read is a fantastic way to give them something to work toward and give them an incentive. It will foster a love of language and a willingness to use different words to express themselves. Talking about books will teach them different ways to analyze similar situations. 

7. Take a Cooking Class 

Not only is the skill of cooking one that will serve them well all through their lives, but joining a cooking class is one way to learn how to give constructive criticism in a non-judgmental and healthy way. Search for classes that focus on health and using fresh, delicious ingredients. They will learn skills such as handling dangerous knives well and the attributes of various flavor profiles. 

8. Board Game Club 

Board games can be fun and can teach your child a lot. Not only will the series of moves and the unpredictability of playing with others teach them critical thinking and cause and effect, but they can choose a favorite game and learn more about their interests through playing it.