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.

Walmart's Your Zone Giveaway

WalMart has a new Your Zone product line for teens. You can WIN a Your Zone room makeover of your own! WalMart has graciously offered a $500.00 gift card to a reader of Suzanne Calling. Click here to enter. Ends 9/10.

You can also win on Three Different Directions. Click here to enter. Ends 9/8.

You can also win at A Hippy Happy Mom. Click here to enter. Ends 9/10.

You can win at Organize with Sandy. Click here to enter. Ends 9/10.

Back to School Giveaway Blog Tour

Mom Central is having a Back to School Giveaway Blog Tour. They are giving away alot of great things which include:

1. "Lexmark Printer: Print out your student's book reports, history essays, and science labs with this top of the line Lexmark printer. Turn in those assignments in top form. Mom and Dad might also appreciate this giveaway as well!"

2. "Gymboree Gift Card: Keep your little one looking stylish this school year with a gift card to Gymboree. Gymboree carries adorable clothing from newborn sizes all the way up to age 12."

3."Shred Sled: A great way for your kids to enjoy the autumn weather, the Shred Sled combines the movements of skateboarding and snowboarding together for a unique, fun, and healthy activity for the young—and the young at heart! With four inline wheels and a concave foot deck, the rider also has much more control than a traditional skateboard."

Click on the link to enter the Back to School Giveaways.

"I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central. Mom Central entered my name in a random drawing to win a gift to thank me for taking the time to participate."

College Survival Guide

Is your son or daughter going away to college this year? Moving away from home can be very scary especially if the college is far away. Clorox has put together a wonderful guide to ease the transition. It lists several things to consider such as:

-A “heads up” on the popular regional trends in clothing and accessories as well as activities that come along with going to school in the Midwest, the Northeast, the South, and the West Coast

-Instructions for a “5-Minute Dorm Room Clean-Up”

-Seasonal influenza and novel H1N1 2009 flu virus prevention tips

-Dorm room “must-haves” for living away from home

-Lifestyle tips from experienced Moms

You can learn more and download your own copy by going here: Clorox College Survival Guide

You can get more information by searching “College Survival Guide 2009” on Facebook and becoming a fan. You can get region specific editions of the guide there also.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of The Clorox Company and will receive a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.