The number of hobbies kids take up then tire of really is testament to the unyielding patience of parents. Tae kwon do becomes the new soccer, which had become the new kinder-gym, and before you know it parents are frowning at their bank statements and reminiscing about the days when kids were happy to just tie bits of rope in fancy ways.

I was thinking about this recently when a childhood chum convinced me to take up a team sport with her. Lanky limbs flailing, we used to run around chasing a basketball of a Saturday morning, an activity that invariably led to our crushing defeat followed by a pre-pubescent tantrum or two.

Unsurprisingly, my complete and utter lack of hand-eye co-ordination has travelled with me into adulthood. But what is a surprise is that the experience reminds me of some of the simple joys of being a kid: letting go of inhibitions, running with the wind in your hair, etc.

So why not take up something you did as a kid? Mum will be proud.

Recorder

It is the first foray into musical expression for many of us, but the humble recorder is usually abandoned after Bah Bah Black Sheep is mastered. But perhaps it is not receiving the cred it is due. Played well, it produces graceful melodies to rival any other woodwind instrument, and plenty of teachers offer lessons for adults.

It may not have rock star status, but it is kind of quirky and geeky and ironic. Isn’t that a “thing” at the moment?

Little Athletics … goes big

If the closest you currently come to athletics is racing Sue from accounts to the kitchenette so she won’t steal the last Arnott’s Assorted (again), it may be time to find a more productive outlet for your competitive spirit. Little Aths has taught generations of kids the value of keeping healthy, trying their best, and ducking when a rogue shot-put comes their way.

But there are plenty of grown-ups’ athletics clubs out there too, varying in exclusivity from come-one-come-all to do-not-waste-our-time-unless-you-are-the-next-Freeman. And if that is all a bit much, at least have someone keep yours and Sue’s times so your achievements surpass a few Kingston Creams.

Car-pooling

Listen up, you lot who complain about your commute to work (the remaining three people in the country can tune in too, if you fancy it). Remember the way your parents used to take turns with your friends’ mums and dads to drive you to Saturday morning footy/choir practice/Namibian mask weaving? Why not put the folks back to use, and have them take it in turns to drive you and you colleagues to work? Or even to your grown-up recorder lessons or Big Athletics?

If they are unconvinced by this proposal, there are plenty of sites devoted to finding carpool buddies online. Good luck convincing them to come to recitals or track-meets though.