| The Crafty Angle |
| (And It's Not Just For Kids :-) |
Crafting and Family Fun-Time
Some parents are skilled crafters. Others would be 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.
Fewer things bring families closer together than crafting does.
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
promotes the use of the brain in ways that we don't usually
have a ‘reason’ to most days.
* 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 don’t turn out as they 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 or playing video games 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, their concerns, and how they’re 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 anything 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.
Some parents are skilled crafters. Others would be 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.
Fewer things bring families closer together than crafting does.
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
promotes the use of the brain in ways that we don't usually
have a ‘reason’ to most days.
* 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 don’t turn out as they 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 or playing video games 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, their concerns, and how they’re 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 anything 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.
