| it comes to kids and crafts, there is no such thing as | | | | plastic container or empty pop bottle. |
| too much. When kids spend as much time as they do | | | | Crafts should always be developed with full |
| focused on electronics and the internet, daily or | | | | consideration of the child in mind. Crafts that do not |
| weekly craft time can be just the thing they need to | | | | fit the skill level or age learning level of the child can |
| get those brain cells working. Some kids gravitate | | | | be a challenge and result in being little to no fun. If |
| naturally into the craft environment and have plenty | | | | you have children of all ages wishing to participate in |
| to bring to the table. Others may be slower to excite | | | | crafts, allow them to be original and come up with |
| and need some prodding. However, all kids can | | | | something on their own. Quite often kids simply need |
| benefit from crafts and time spent in creative | | | | the materials and the rest comes together on its |
| thought. | | | | own. Kids do get frustrated easily though so keep an |
| Start crafts by planning out ahead of time what | | | | eye on them as they work. It’s best not to |
| you’d like to do. This will eliminate any | | | | leave children unattended while working with craft |
| humming and hawing that can occur if you pick | | | | materials like glue and scissors. |
| something and find that you do not have the | | | | It’s important to stay open minded and be |
| required tools or materials needed. By planning crafts | | | | flexible. Kids are not generally perfectionists and do |
| in advance you are able to prepare by stopping in at | | | | not mind if little things are not perfectly done. |
| craft stores for supplies. Keep your options open by | | | | Don’t be too concerned with things like |
| staying organized. If you have more than one child in | | | | perfect lines and cuts or messiness. Crafts are messy |
| the family, have them take turns deciding on future | | | | at times and if you are going to conduct them then |
| projects that can be done together as a group. | | | | accept all that goes with them. Applying too much |
| Use recyclables for making crafts and art projects. | | | | pressure to kids during craft time may result in them |
| It’s a great way to teach your kids about | | | | not wanting to participate any longer. |
| reusing items commonly found around the house. | | | | The most important thing about craft making is that |
| Everything from margarine containers to old compact | | | | kids learn through playing and being imaginative. |
| discs makes great craft materials. Keep things like | | | | Encouraging these gifts will strengthen them in |
| this on hand to get kids thinking. It can be a fun | | | | growth. Allow kids to express themselves while |
| challenge to discover all of the things you can make | | | | learning. There is no greater gift. Craft time can be a |
| out of just one item. Put your imagination to the test | | | | positive experience for everyone so get Mom and |
| and see how many uses you can come up with for a | | | | Dad involved too. |