We’d all love to see our kids become more interested in home crafting projects. But how can you make it happen in practice?
That’s the topic of my article today. I explore some of the methods you can use to ensure they get the most out of the experience and perhaps even undertake projects themselves.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Make It Simple
Don’t force your kids to jump in at the deep end by making your crafting projects so complicated they can’t understand them. Instead, begin with things they know and build up from there.
For example, don’t begin with custom-dried flower making. It’s a tricky and technical craft and often requires years of experience to get it right. Instead, introduce them to something they will find more straightforward, like painting stones or making cakes.
If possible, select something that has an immediate reward. Don’t let children go hours or days on a project that offers them nothing in return.
Let Them Choose What To Do
Another pro tactic is to let them choose what crafts they want to do. This approach gives them a sense of freedom and control that doesn’t apply if you simply tell them their itinerary.
Once kids have a sense of ownership over a project, they are more likely to put substantial effort into it. The more they feel it is “theirs” the more likely they are to work on it willingly.
Of course, they will need breaks from time to time, but that’s not the point. The main aim should be to get them to believe they are the ones choosing the activity, not you.
Work Together On It
At the same time, you want to ensure your craft activities are collaborative. Working with kids and turning projects into family activities can help tremendously. If you can turn it into a family tradition (like gathering around the dinner table at Christmas) that’s even better.
Often if you take the lead as the parent, the children will follow. They naturally want to copy you (for evolutionary reasons).
If you can’t work on it with them, find them a friend who can. Look for someone in the community to support their talents and skills.
Parents don’t like a mess in the home, but when there’s crafting going on, it’s almost inevitable.
But don’t worry: as long as you embrace it, it should be okay.
Start by laying down tablecloths and newspaper to clean up all the splatter and detritus that might fall onto your surfaces. Take time to prep the room and remove any items that kids might break. You could even host activities outside where it doesn’t matter so much if things fall on the floor.
Add Fun Elements
Finally, make sure you add fun elements, like stickers, to your crafting sessions. Include things that kids love, like bubbles, bubble wrap, and beepers. Do whatever you can to engage them and get them interested in the crafting process and how they can pursue it.
