Crafting - Quality Family Time

Most of us have grown with parents and once in our lifetime we did enjoy crafting with our mums and dads at home; which I really had. Pretty much of my school projects my dad was my great influence to recreate, customise and even do some of my projects that are wooden to perfection. I remembered most of my father's great help when it comes to handcrafts while my mum helped me on knitting and crocheting as well. I was blessed with beautiful mum and dad stayed at home in my formative years of growing. Though I'm not a parent myself yet, I could still relate my childhood memories when it comes to the quality time that I've gained from my parents when I needed them as a tot. Having the basic life helped me a lot to focus on handmade crafts, gardening, helped mum process/cook gold (we lived near the gold mines), baking, learning to play an instrument, etc. We never had electricity in our remote eco-lifestyle in the mountain areas of Benguet, Philippines. I did not grow up with Television but reading books, playing at home, siblings and playmates for entertainment.

Some parents are skilled crafters. Others are doing well to cut paper in a reasonably straight line. No matter which group you fall into, crafting with your kids can be beneficial for all involved. Few things bring families together like crafting. Here are some of the good things that come out of crafting with your kids.

* Crafting builds creativity. Developing minds need a creative outlet, and crafting provides the opportunity for children to use their imaginations. It helps them learn to solve problems, and it could lay the groundwork for a lifetime of interest in art. For parents, getting creative can contribute to reducing stress and promote using the brain in ways that we don't have a reason to use it every day.

* Crafting teaches kids to follow directions. This seems like a very necessary skill, but we all know adults who can't seem to follow directions. When kids craft, they learn the consequences of not following directions when their projects do not turn out as expected. This instils in them the importance of doing things the right way the first time.

* For young children, crafting is fabulous for learning core competencies. Almost any type of craft promotes hand-eye coordination. Kids can also learn to use scissors, measure and do lots of other things they will eventually do in everyday life.

* Parents and children have a chance to talk. In our busy lives, it seems that we know less about our kids than previous generations of parents did. Passive activities such as watching TV do little to encourage conversation. But when you're crafting together, talking comes naturally. You can seize the opportunity to discuss such things as your child's interests, his concerns, and how he's doing in school.

* Crafting is a great way to wind down. It's wonderful for kids to be active, but there are times when they need to calm down. If you find your child getting agitated or exhibiting an overabundance of energy near bedtime, try bringing out the craft supplies. Crafting engages kids' minds, giving them something to focus on and a good reason to sit still for a while.

* Creating things is a confidence booster. Parents who craft regularly know the feeling of accomplishment when a project is complete. Multiply this feeling by ten, and you have a pretty good idea of how your child feels when he makes something. For kids, crafting can help build positive self-esteem.

* Working on a project together is a great way to teach your kids teamwork. This will help them develop skills needed to resolve disputes peacefully and efficiently. It will also assist them discover their strengths and show them that doing their best will make the entire project turn out better.

* Crafting creates treasured family memories. The finished product will serve as a reminder of the fun you had making it together for life!

Crafting as a family provides opportunities for us to interact with our children. It is also a valuable learning experience for them. Don't worry if you aren't the world's greatest crafter. Simply being willing to try anyway is a lesson to your kids in itself.

To let you know as a school teacher myself, I knew straight away if a child is neglected at home when it comes to a child's performance at school not only in their craft projects; since nurturing is grounded right at home first and foremost as we all know.