Left: Andrea Hunter (right) engages in a reading exercise with her daughter, Tashicka Comrie. Right:Michael Blair (left) and Michail surf the Internet, an activity they both enjoy. - Photos by Nadisha Hunter

Imagine children sharing hobbies with their parents - in these days when technology and culture, like their ages, have put distance between the two generations.

Some may regard it as mere coincidence. Maybe it's not. The Gleaner spoke with several parents who enjoy the same hobbies as their children, activities that can bridges gaps and fill cracks that may develop in their relationships. The shared interest, they said, is due to the children's orientation.

Michael Blair said he and his teenage son, Michail, are one of a kind as they enjoy doing their hobbies together. No, it's not necessarily playing football, cricket or any of those kinds of sports. Their hobbies include surfing the Internet, playing computer games, caring for animals and reading.

Blair said they can be seen most evenings enjoying these activities together.

Matter of choice

According to the father, it is enjoyable and it brings some sense of comfort and satisfaction to know that he sees a replica of himself in his son.

"My only child that I have is just like me. I feel good to know that the semblance is so pronounced," he said.

He said his son's gravitation towards those activities is a matter of choice.

"This is nothing I forced on him. It is just that I always try to be positive in the things I do around him and try to involved him as much as possible in things I do when he was a child," Michael added.

He advised parents to create an environment for their children that is to their benefit.

The younger Blair said although his father didn't impose any order on him to do the things he did, his father was his influence.

"My father always had me around him when he was doing these activities so I adapted to them. They eventually became a part of my life and I have no regrets because I enjoy doing them," the 19-year-old said.

Andrea Hunter and Tashicka Comrie are no different. They enjoy watching television and reading together.

Hunter said her 10-year-old daughter oftentimes initiate the activities.

"Sometimes when she takes the book for us to read I am busy but I never turn her back," Hunter stated.

She added that family time is one of the most important moments for children, and parents should always be devoted to them. They should also do things that can impact their children's lives in a positive way.