Having a hobby is a good for any individual more so in the children as they get the chance to express themselves and it builds their self respect and also teaches them. The hobby if developed early in a child can give him/her many benefits like if the child is interested in collecting rocks, or stamps can learn lots from the subject and can increase his general knowledge.
Early in life the children learn to be able to solve the problems of life, make their own decisions and in the bargain can also learn many languages. Later on in life they can turn their hobbies in the career which they will enjoy their entire life.
The children usually look up to their parents and if you have some hobby you can pass the same on to your children or you can encourage them to find something which they are particularly interested in. Be very supportive of the child and give them time and place for the hobby. Make space for them in the house as their own from where they can pursue their hobbies. Some of the things the child may not understand give them support and back-up. Slowly let them take their own decisions and make them understand that nothing is easy but to succeed they have to carry on with all the difficulties and they will find a way and means to succeed.
The hobbies will also cut down on the children watching television as most of the children are watching television most of the time.
If you set an example by not watching television and working on your hobby the child will do the same and he will enjoy so much that he will forget the cartoon or any other programs they watch on the television. If your child is interested tell them how you started your hobby and how it has become the most important thing to you which will encourage the child to work harder and in turn he will become proud of his hobby and also can learn many things from it.