Crafting with Kids, Do You Really Need a Reason?

In my opinion, all the advice parenting books and the so called "experts" offer us on a daily basis focus on everything parents do "wrong". Let's just step back for a moment, put the books down, and simply spend some time with and really get to know our young people while they are still very young and looking to spend time with us. Maybe, just maybe, if the lines of trust, parental friendship and lines of communication are developed at an early age the habit will carry as they get older.

An article at the Parent's Place suggests crafting with children is a way to observe and get aquainted with your children. Know their likes and dislikes, their favorite characters and colors and help develop their self image. This article can be found at www.parentsplace.com/family/parentexp/gen/0,3375,13349,00.html

Authors Dr. James M. Herzog, Dr. Charles Flatter, Dr. Phyllis Tyson and Katherine Ross offer a description of creative. In their definitions they state in a child's creative play (in our case craft/art projects) children are finding outlets for their imagination, perception of reality and expression of feelings. Don't you want to be an active part in that, rather than the passive spectator of your child's school art work? The authors of this article also discuss how imaginative powers increase problem solving capabilities and offer a detailed description of creative development. More on this article is offered at: www.ctw.org/parents/advice/article/0,4125,17500,00.html

Developing an artistic child is important. An idea emphasised in an article at family.go.com. They develop the idea that a creative child grows to be a creative adult. Something the business community is looking for. They also offer creative children score higher on SAT scores, have higher self-esteem, better critical thinking skills and social skills. Visit family.go.com/Features/family_1999_03/kern/kern39art/kern39art.html.

Are you ready to get started? First consider your young person's age, fine motor skills (is he able to follow patterns or cut with scissors?) and attention span. Observe your child painting pictures, tracing shapes and using scissors, this will give you a good idea where to start.

If your child is younger than 5, I suggest really preparing your project and project area before even mentioning it to your youngster (they will get very excited and nag, nag, nag to get started!). Cover your work area liberally with news paper or other covering. Pre-cut any pieces and have glue and all supplies ready to go. If your child can cut the pieces himself, have the templates traced on the material you'll be working with then he can cut the pieces while you're setting up any additional supplies. Children older than 8 can probably work with you on a project from start to finish, just have any necessary templates and supplies readily available.

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