Why "Grandma Hobbies" Might Be the Bright Spot Your Kids Need in 2026

Scrolling less. Crocheting more. That’s the surprising trend emerging among kids, teens, and young adults this year, and it’s worth paying attention to.

Dr. Kathy and I recently talked on the podcast about how more and more young people are picking up what some are calling “grandma hobbies.” You’ve probably seen them too: teens resolving to read books, take walks, color, learn to sew, crochet, or go thrifting instead of spending another hour online. And here’s the surprise: they’re loving it.

At first glance, these seem like simple preferences. But when you dig deeper, they might just be identity-forming choices that offer your kids something they desperately need in this cultural moment: space for joy and slowness.

Joy Isn’t Optional. It’s a Lifeline.

If you're a parent, you’ve probably felt the tension between wanting your kids to be productive and knowing they need rest. Often, in the middle of this struggle, it can feel like joy is wasted time. It isn’t.

Joy gives energy. It awakens gratitude. It gives our kids a sense of purpose and presence that endless scrolling can’t provide. As Dr. Kathy reminded us, hobbies awaken parts of us we might not even know exist, like the moment Dr. Kathy rediscovered coloring and found herself more picture-smart than she thought.

In a world addicted to speed and achievement, hobbies like crocheting or walking, slow us down in the best possible way. They create space for reflection and creativity. They give room for connection with ourselves, others, and God.

Why Are Kids Turning to These Hobbies Now?

Because they’re tired. Tired of loudness. Tired of busyness. Tired of performance.

When we see a young person slow down and pick up a quiet, tactile hobby, they’re not checking out, they’re checking in. They’re discovering what calms them and what they’re good at.

Dr. Kathy pointed out that these kinds of practices awaken something deeply important in our kids: their self-smart wiring. They begin to like their thoughts. They start to trust their own ideas. They realize that they don’t have to fill every moment with noise to feel alive.

Is Your Child Developing the Self-Smart Side of Their Identity?

Let’s be honest. Today’s world doesn’t do a great job of making room for quiet.

Our culture is loud and fast, constantly pushing kids to be more connected and more productive, often just more something. But being self-smart helps kids learn to be okay with themselves; to process deeply and reflect meaningfully, and be satisfied with their own thoughts.

That can only happen when there’s space.

So if you’re noticing your child feeling stressed, anxious, competitive, or constantly distracted, maybe what they need isn’t more stimulation, but less. Maybe it’s not to become better at the thing in front of them, but to be reflective with things they haven’t made space for. Maybe what they’re craving isn’t another activity, but a different rhythm.

Help Your Kids Step Into a Slower, Stronger Identity

The Bible tells us almost nothing about Jesus’ life from age 12 to 30. What was He doing in all those quiet years?

Luke 2:52 gives us a glimpse:
“Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”

He was growing through ordinary, quiet, faithful rhythms, like working with His hands and living in community.

What if our kids need the same?

Slowness isn’t weakness. It’s wisdom.

And hobbies, yes, even “grandma hobbies,” can help your kids discover who they are when no one is watching. They give permission to enjoy something without pressure. They help regulate emotions, build patience, and form identity.

Use the 8 Great Smarts to Help Your Kids Embrace Slower Joys

Word Smart: Invite your child to write about or narrate their experience with a new hobby. What do they notice when they read, walk, or create?

Logic Smart: Explore how patterns or problem-solving show up in crocheting, sewing, or thrifting. Create a budget or plan for their hobby.

Picture Smart: Try coloring, sketching, or journaling with visuals. Encourage your child to design a poster or board about their new passion.

Music Smart: Pair their hobby time with calming music. Create playlists for quiet time, reading, or walking outdoors.

Body Smart: Encourage hands-on hobbies like sewing, woodworking, cooking, or walking. These build both confidence and calm.

Nature Smart: Thrifting, walking, or journaling outside brings a whole new level of clarity. Spend time in nature to recharge.

People Smart: Invite others into the hobby. Join a club, visit a craft fair, or host a hobby night where everyone brings something to work on.

Self Smart: Help your child identify what they love and why. Ask reflective questions like: “What do you feel when you do this?” “Does this help you feel more like yourself?”

In 2026, what if our greatest breakthrough came not through more achievement, but through more attention?

Let’s help our kids discover a slower joy that forms a stronger identity.