September 6, 2009

Crafting = Quality Family Time

Some parents are skilled crafters. Others are doing well to cut paper in a reasonably straight line. No matter which group you fall into, crafting with your kids can be beneficial for all involved.

Few things bring families together like crafting. Here are some of the good things that come out of crafting with your kids.

* Crafting builds creativity. Developing minds need a creative outlet, and crafting provides the opportunity for kids to use their imaginations. It helps them learn to solve problems, and it could lay the groundwork for a lifetime of interest in art. For parents, getting creative can help reduce stress and promote using the brain in ways that we don't have a reason to use it every day.

* Crafting teaches kids to follow directions. This seems like a very basic skill, but we all know adults who can't seem to follow directions. When kids craft, they learn the consequences of not following directions when their projects do not turn out as expected. This instils in them the importance of doing things the right way the first time.

* For young children, crafting is fabulous for learning basic skills. Almost any type of craft promotes hand-eye coordination. Kids can also learn to use scissors, measure and do lots of other things they will eventually do in everyday life.

* Parents and children have a chance to talk. In our busy lives, it seems that we know less about our kids than previous generations of parents did. Passive activities such as watching TV do little to encourage conversation. But when you're crafting together, talking comes naturally. You can seize the opportunity to discuss such things as your child's interests, his concerns, and how he's doing in school.

* Crafting is a great way to wind down. It's wonderful for kids to be active, but there are times when they need to calm down. If you find your child getting agitated or exhibiting an overabundance of energy near bedtime, try bringing out the craft supplies. Crafting engages kids' minds, giving them something to focus on and a good reason to sit still for a while.

* Creating things is a confidence booster. Parents who craft regularly know the feeling of accomplishment when a project is complete. Multiply this feeling by ten, and you have a pretty good idea of how your child feels when he makes something. For kids, crafting can help build positive self-esteem.

* Working on a project together is a great way to teach your kids teamwork. This will help them develop skills needed to resolve disputes peacefully and effectively. It will also help them discover their strengths and teach them that doing their best will make the entire project turn out better.

* Crafting creates treasured family memories. The finished product will serve as a reminder of the fun you had making it together.

Crafting as a family provides opportunities for us to interact with our children. It is also a valuable learning experience for them. Don't worry if you aren't the world's greatest crafter. Simply being willing to try anyway is a lesson to your kids in itself.

5 comments:

  1. Hi Donna
    I cant wait to do crafts with my son someday. It will be so much fun

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am one of those people who can not draw a straight line. We watch our 2 grand children (ages 5 & 2)and I know their mom would like me to do more crafty things with them. Sorry it's just not me. We do use the crayons and markers and color while we talk sometimes. There are some easy craft kits we have completed.

    I can crochet and do a lot of needle work so I am hoping the kids will want to learn that when they get a little older.

    They do a lot of craft things with their mom & dad on the weekend. Since they both work long hours I know this gives them an opportunity to spend some quality one on one time with the kids and that is a good thing. Some weeks it seems we spend more time with the kids than their parent are able to do.

    One the plus side of my lack of crafting skills. I have taught the 5 year old how to throw a baseball and hit a bat. We have tried different sports in the backyard. She knows the basics of all the major sports - with teamwork being the most important.
    We try to bake something once a week. She is really good at quick breads and muffins!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Donna! :)

    I like your blog! I look forward to reading your posts. Thanks for visiting my blog (Nutritious Feast)

    Dina

    ReplyDelete
  4. Such good tips, I love doing crafts and definitely need to try to do more with my daughter!

    Been following you from MBC but I don't think I see you on my list, come by sometime!
    http://thanksmailcarrier.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Well, I am not good in crafting. but, I have to do it with my daughter because it is our bonding time.

    ReplyDelete

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