Even though we’re busy with our kids all day, sometimes we miss the opportunities to just ‘be’ with them, developing the relationship. With work, school, play dates, meals, and bed times, we can sometimes over look the need to strengthen our relationships with our kids. Crafting can be a great way for you to develop your relationship with your child in a fun and encouraging way.
Here’s 3 ways to develop your relationship with your kids through crafts!
- One-on-One Attention – Kids love attention and they need it from loved ones. Doing crafts or projects together with your kids can let them know you care. Even if you’re just sitting in a chair next to them while they construct a tower or a flower, they love to know you’re near.
- Problem Solve Together – If you’re toddler is ready to use scissors, your 1st grader is trying to read instructions, or your teenager is beading a bracelet, you can use this time with your child to see how they problem solve. While crafting or completing a project, we can see what skills our kids are using and what skills they can better develop. Take this time to observe their behavior and when to intervene or let them try and figure it out themselves.
- Just Talk – Creating a friendly and fun environment can lead to an open communication with your child. If you’re sitting side by side together working on a project, ask them about their day, about school, about friends, and just talk. See what’s on their minds, what’s bothering them, what their needs are. This can be a great way to get to know them better, finding out more of their interests. If they’re comfortable sitting with you crafting or creating, they may be more comfortable to talk with you about things that are on their mind.
Here’s a few fun kids crafts that can help develop your relationships with kids:
What are some of the best crafts and projects you like doing together with your kids, young or old?
I remember making cards with my mom. Doing that together made us closer. Thanks for supporting families. Another website that has some fun craft ideas is at The Crazy Dazy. http://bit.ly/wN7Wf
a great reminder to slow down and enjoy the journey. thank you!
I just did this yesterday working o n a daddy’s day project with my oldest (she’s 3.5). It was nice to get to help her and talk to her while not distracted by her 15 month old little sis. We worked, worked, worked, while sis was asleep and it was marvelous.
i need to be reminded of this…
i had some of the sweetest time with my daughter just playing with play-doh the other day.
It so easy to let spending time with them slide by to do housework or whatever else, isn’t it? These are great ideas. I recently read in someone’s blog that they are trying to say “yes” more to their kids when they ask to do things. I am guilty of saying “no” a lot, especially when I think what they want to do is going to make a mess (which is often). These craft ideas will go hand-in-hand with my trying to improve on being a yes-Mom instead of a no-Mom! Thanks…gotta go play a video game with my son (let the yeses begin…)!
Good post. I need to be better at crafts with my daughter. I remember loving those lace-up things your daughter is doing in that picture! So fun!