Interests in some activities are immediately and measurably high value (like academic subjects or programming or design skills). I was interested in writing and history/geography; my colleague Siddesh was interested in math and would often rank very high in school… But if a kid isn’t interested in any academic subject that’s not really a “problem” per se.

Many serious interests take a while to develop. The initial curiosity disappears when the kid experiences limited progress, resistance and frustration.

Many interests require a lot of help from parents, meaning a lot of commitment in terms of time and/or money. The time cost is as important as the financial cost. If we foresee the cost will be too high for us, we had better think twice before we start.

#2) (top3) Interests in sports could help him/her develop active lifestyle in later life, and teamwork.
* basketball
* pingpong? must go out — time consuming. Not popular in the US.
* badminton? Parents can’t help and boy is likely to lose interest after 2 sessions.

#3? (top3) [HM] interest in creative programming including spreadsheets
#4? (top5) [HM] Interests in writing? Daddy’s favorite

[H] Reading is the “biggest” hobby. I strongly believe in it. Reading doesn’t directly help composition exams. I know many well-read colleagues who become intellectually curious and knowledgeable beyond the finance and IT fields.

Interests in martial arts? confidence
[H] Interests in music and drawing – beneficial to well being
interest in electronic music making
[HM] Interests in math? Daddy’s favorite
[H] interest in math or logical puzzles? tested in interviews
Interests in IQ toys? Not tested in exams but relevant in job interviews.
[H] Interests in computers and gadgets? Can be addictive
[HM] Interests in science, history, geography?
Interests in board games? Chess is more popular in the US…

[H = no need to go out. Home is good place.]
[M = measurable value. Could become a career.]

All of the above help improve concentration, self-discipline, grit, attention to details … through repeated practice.