Level Up Your Parenting: Why Learning Your Kid's Hobbies Creates Magical Moments"

Remember when you used to roll your eyes at your parents for not "getting" your interests?

Now you're the parent, and Fortnite dances look like random arm flailing. But here's the secret: diving into your kid's world, especially when it's completely foreign to you, can create unexpectedly powerful connections.

Take my recent gaming adventure.

As a divorced dad, I turned my son accidentally leaving his console at my house into an opportunity.

I bought Madden (a game I hadn't touched in 20 years), practiced in secret for a week, and challenged him to a game.

The look of shock and respect when I held my own? Priceless.

Even though he eventually started crushing me, those weeks of playing together created memories we still laugh about.

The lesson? It's not about mastering their hobbies—it's about showing interest in their world. Here's how to start:

• Pick one of their interests that you typically avoid

• Learn it in secret (kids love surprises)

• Don't aim for perfection—aim for participation

• Let them become the teacher once they discover your interest

• Be ready to laugh at yourself

Whether it's learning their favorite video game, attempting their latest dance moves, or diving into their favorite anime series, the effort matters more than the execution.

Remember: They won't remember how badly you played—they'll remember that you played at all.