Craft with your kids!

As parents, sometimes we get so wrapped up in keeping our kids busy and entertained and enriched that we might forget to spend time with them. One perfect way to spend time with kids (of all ages) is to craft with them!

As a parent of an infant or toddler, pull out some big chunky crayons, a variety of paper and let her color (you color too - we all need to be kids again sometimes) - it won't be perfect (and it shouldn't be!) - but what a great way to spend time with your little one and it develops early fine motor skills. Plus, talk about the different colors, the different hues, everything you say to your little one is absorbed - one day they might surprise you by saying - "Mommy, that's turquoise - it's your favorite color!"

For preschool age - oh my gosh - crafting heaven! Messy crafts, neat crafts - they are all great for developing fine motor skills, creativity and they are just plain fun! The key to enjoying crafting is to connect with your child during craft-time, take a break from the laundry, and the other things you must do - and spend 15 minutes crafting something with your children - it's fun, and who knows, you might create something beautiful that you can hang on the refrigerator - or in a window!

Here's a couple fun winter crafts to try:

Snowflakes - I'm sure you remember these - fold paper in half several times and then start cutting! Unfold, and you'll have a beautiful snowflake. Make it even more fun, by sprinkling with glitter (use a glue stick first where you want the glitter to stick). Very pretty and FUN!

Snow Mural - use a piece of blue construction paper. Pour a little glue into some shallow containers, dip cotton balls in the glue and then stick onto the paper - you have a snow mural! Be sure to display it.

Remember, as parents the most important thing we can do is spend quality time with our little ones.

Happy Crafting!
Kim

posted at 5:06 PM