With everyone stuck at home due to the coronavirus pandemic, this lockdown presents a unique opportunity for parents to spend quality time with their kids. It is also the best time to teach your kids new life skills that will help them when they grow up. Why not teach them some simple cooking techniques in the kitchen, basic sewing, cleaning the house, or even indoor gardening? Another fun way to spend your free time is to engage in craft projects with the kids.
Why are doing craft projects with the kids important?
Crafting benefits children in multiple ways. It stimulates their imagination and unleashes their inborn creativity. Crafting exercises their logical thinking as your children process the instructions. As they follow each step, they will gain persistence and tenacity, followed by a sense of pleasure as they complete the project. It’s a great way to encourage independence in children, as well as boosting their self-esteem as they learn new skills and knowledge that will be useful in years to come.
In addition, craft ventures teach a lot about practical applications, as they must take into account how many nails and screws are needed, how many times to turn the screwdriver and how shapes fit together, as well as planning, measuring, and how to use tools safely and effectively. Fine motor skills and the principles of design also come into play when embarking on some craft projects with the kids. Crafting also enhances teamwork as they learn to share their resources and supplies with siblings. Some of the DIY ideas kids will enjoy are making wooden toys, wallpapering the bathroom, making origami art, or creating a family time capsule.
Tips and advice before starting craft projects with the kids
Before you jump into a new craft project with the kids, it’s helpful to read some tips and advice from people who have been crafting with their kids for a long time. After all, you want your kids to experience all the benefits of crafting without costly mistakes that newbies can sometimes make. The first tip is to stock up on all the necessary supplies such as super glue, paper, paint, glitter, scissors, and brushes before getting started. This will eliminate the need for several trips to the craft store with the kids. You can also make use of the materials that are no longer useful at home. Recycle the unused items in your home and create something beneficial.
The second tip for doing craft projects with the kids is to focus more on the process than on the end product. Most parents get too caught up with having the perfect craft project that they forget to let the kids express themselves. Parents should let the kids have fun and enjoy the process. Very often, kids will make things that do not resemble the craft project instructions. But as long as they had fun and gained useful skills during the process, you can consider the endeavor a success. Other useful tips include;
- Give the kids projects that are appropriate for their age. For example, avoid too much cutting for younger children.
- Be patient with the kids, as they have a short concentration time and may abandon projects midway and continue later.
- Compliment them and use positive words both throughout the process and when describing the end results, even if it doesn’t look quite as you might expect!
Use this time to get creative!
Take advantage of the lockdown and spend more time enjoying arts and craft projects with the kids. There are so many lessons the kids will learn by engaging in craft activities. DIY craft projects are a great way for your child to personalize items, expressing themselves in a creative way. So, go ahead, grab some glue, some unused household items, and see what your family can create. Doing craft projects with the kids can be more fun than you think!
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