March is National Crafts Month. So I thought I'd update a blog originally posted when Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers was in its infancy. This is a topic near and dear to my heart, and many of you may have missed it the first time around. -- AP
It’s no secret that I think more people should do crafts. If people didn’t craft, I’d be out of a job, and with all the debt Dead Louse of a Spouse dumped on me before cashing in his chips, the last thing I need is to lose my job! So it will come as no surprise that I’m all in favor of adults and kids alike stepping away from the video games and picking up glue guns and paint brushes. Besides, crafting might just save the world some day.
All right. You can stop snickering. I really mean it, and here’s why:
Creativity is a skill that needs to be nurtured in order for our kids to grow into the leaders of tomorrow. Solving problems and resolving conflicts require creative thinking. Although children are born with wonderful curiosity and creativity, very early on both tend to be squelched. With outside influences trying to make children conform to a prescribed norm, our homes should be a center for our kids to have the freedom to express themselves. Sometimes it’s just way better to color outside the lines.
The more kids see their parents engaging in creative pastimes, the more likely they’ll want to join in. Keep ample supplies of paint, glue, markers, paper, chenille stems, craft sticks, pompoms and other basic craft materials handy for those “I’m bored; there’s nothing to do” days, and forget about the mess they’ll make. We all need the freedom to make messes.
Finally, you can help spread the crafting message to others. Instead of buying another video game the next time your child is invited to a birthday party, consider purchasing a craft kit or craft supplies instead.
So how do you promote creativity in your own kids? Share your experiences with us. What’s worked for you and your family and what hasn’t? Post a comment for a chance to win a book from our Book Club Friday guest author. -- AP
I have a huge amount of crafting supplies. It's one of the two things I can't stop buying - craft supplies and books. And my boys know that they are welcome to take anything from my craft bins, as long as they are going to do something with it. School projects coming up for my oldest? Let's dive into the crafts. My youngest wants to color? Lets make it more interesting with stickers and odd bits of paper.
ReplyDeleteAs my eldest is starting to get into other things he enjoys (playing Pokemon in a local league being the biggest) I'm hoping to get his help in crafting card boxes and the like. After all, it will help him put his own stamp on something that he loves and that others will enjoy.
My children and I did so many crafts when they were growing up. They were particularly interested in making gifts for family and teachers. We made markers for dad's garden, bath salts for teachers and grandmothers, frames for pictures, woven potholders and even a few simple sewing projects. What great fun we had!
ReplyDeleteMy kids and I created as do my grandkids and I...love it! Laughing, making, goofing around, discovering how to drill holes and that you can't drill through certain things, collecting shells, old computers, radios to take apart..and the fun goes on! Thanks for this post..loved it!
ReplyDeleteIt always makes me feel so good when I hear about people crafting with their children and grandchildren!
ReplyDeleteWhen my kids were little I tried to do craft projects with them for holidays. Now I have a great time crafting with my grandchildren. My granddaughter almost assumes that we'll be crafting when she comes to visit.
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