The Benefits of Crafting With Kids: Things You Need to Know As A Grandparent

Last Updated on October 27, 2020 by lydiaf1963

The benefits of crafting with kids transcends generational boundaries. Learn more about how creative activity contributes to the well being of everyone participating and find some tips for opportunities to be creative with the young people in your life.

When I was a child, my Nana taught me how to crochet. At first I struggled due to being left handed, but she sat me down in front of her so I could mirror her movements. Her willingness to sit patiently with me to teach her favorite craft opened a new world or creativity for me.

The benefits of crafting for kids

Kids benefit from crafting in much the same way adults do. It gives them an opportunity to escape from screens and calm the mind. Their confidence grows in the supportive, non judgemental environment grandparents can provide. Their imagination soars under those conditions.

Younger children develop fine motor skills when handling scissors, paint brushes and crayons. Their language skills improve as they “show and tell” their work to anyone who will listen. Crafting and other creative outlets also provide an opportunity for children to relax, open up, and build relationships with those who are sharing the activity with them.

Older children, tweens and teens can work a little more independently but there’s still plenty of opportunity for chatting, telling stories, and making memories.

Crafting together builds relationships

As a grandmother, the time spent with the young people in my life is precious. I anticipate our visits with pleasure. The kids aren’t the only ones who benefit from intergenerational creative time!

Both of my grandsons have been creative people from an early age. They love to color, build with Legos, and tell stories about their toys.

Being able to create with them and to watch their faces change as they work on their projects is a joy to me. The youngest pokes his tongue out in concentration while manipulating the Lego blocks into shape. The furrowed brow of my oldest and more anxious grandson smoothes as he settles into his coloring page. For my part, I also feel everyday tension drain away and my thoughts calm as my attention is focused solely on the activity at hand.

But I have to admit I’m sometimes at a loss for what to do beyond Legos and coloring now that the boys are old enough for more complicated activities.

Truth be told, I haven’t been around young ones on a daily basis for a long time. I have no idea what types of children’s crafts are current and which classic activities have stood the test of time.

I’m looking forward to the day when they grow into the ability to do things like sewing or woodworking. In the meantime, I’m looking for age appropriate activities.

Resources for Kids Crafts

As it turns out, the Internet of Things is the best resource for ideas. Picking a craft and adding “for kids” to the end of the phrase into your preferred search engine will return a multitude of results. You can narrow your search by age groups and even add your favorite craft suppliers.

For example the search phrase “Yarn Crafts for Kids” yields an article from The Spruce Crafts featuring classic God’s Eyes, dream catchers and a variety of projects. Scrolling through the article you’ll find links to lots of other projects, too. Searching through the videos you’ll come across one demonstrating how to make yarn balls using yarn, balloons and glue.

Refining the search to “Dollar Tree Yarn Crafts for Kids” leads to a ton of videos and a page on Dollar Tree’s website where you can order supplies directly.

Other places to look for kids craft inspiration include Pinterest, YouTube and online magazines like Highlights, Ranger Rick, Discovery Kids, etc.

As you search, consider the ability of your young crafting partners, their attention span and your tolerance for messy crafts. Then search your craft supplies to determine what you need to buy.

You’ve picked a craft project, now what?

We’ve determined crafting is beneficial to your well being no matter what your age. We’ve also listed some resources for finding age appropriate craft projects. The next step is finding the time to do them together!

Make a date for crafting

For better or worse, kids live very structured lives and grandparents also have work and other obligations. Scheduling time for crafts gives you, the adult, a chance to gather all the supplies needed and to protect the area you’ll be working in. You’ll also build anticipation for the time spent together.

DO:

• talk to older children about their interests and choose an activity together
• protect your work area with newspaper or old sheets
• use aprons or smocks to protect clothes
• make sure any equipment is sized for the hands that will use it, and teach its safe use
• have everything ready to go when the crafters arrive
• encourage young crafters to do as much as they can themselves. It’s OK, for example, if toddlers only make marks on the paper or squish the play dough in their hands. It’s OK to let an older child use the sewing machine after you’ve demonstrated how to use it (and if they’re small, sit them on your lap)
• encourage older crafters to correct any mishaps themselves; it’s an important part of learning any craft
• teach crafters how to care for the equipment they use
• tell stories about your creations
• share you tips and tricks when appropriate
• have a snack
• have fun

DON’T

• Be discouraged if the youngest crafters quickly lose interest. Find another activity and remember the important thing is building relationship and memories.

The benefits of crafting with grandparents

Crafting with grandparents creates memories that will last a lifetime. The activities provide an opportunity to talk about family traditions and to pass on skills. You can also just talk about nothing in particular. Sometimes those are the best kind of conversations to have.

The benefits of crafting with kids can be summed up in this sentence: Creative activities improve the quality of life for everyone.

What are you waiting for? Choose an age and skill appropriate creative activity and have fun!