WHY YOU SHOULD GET CRAFTY WITH YOUR KIDS THIS HALLOWEEN
Whether it’s carving pumpkins or making decorations, Halloween is a great opportunity to engage in creative activities that celebrate fun, imagination and family togetherness.
“Crafting requires cooperation and shared decision-making. Families can share laughs, stories, and ideas, creating lasting memories whilst crafting," Shannon Wong-Nizic, who runs the online parenting resource Oh Creative Day, said.
"The process of crafting together nurtures relationships and fosters a sense of belonging, making everyone feel more connected."
Shannon said that one of the most significant barriers to creativity is the fear of making mistakes, which they associate with failure. As parents, shifting this perspective by promoting a growth mindset is vital.
Shannon shares the following tips:
Model a Positive Attitude: Children learn by watching their parents. Demonstrate a healthy attitude toward mistakes by sharing your own experiences. Talk openly about times you’ve made errors and what you learned from them. This will help normalise mistakes in your child’s eyes.
Praise Effort Over Outcome: Focus on the process rather than the final product. When your child engages in a creative activity, commend their effort, enthusiasm, and exploration. For instance, if they’re drawing, celebrate the fact that they tried a new way to depict something, regardless of the result.
Create a Safe Space: Establish an environment where mistakes are welcomed. Encourage your child to take risks in their creative endeavours without the pressure of perfection. Allow them to express their ideas freely, knowing that the outcome isn’t what matters most.
Provide Resources: Stock your home with a variety of creative materials—paints, clay, craft supplies, and recycled materials. The more resources available, the more opportunities your child will have to explore their creativity. Erasable markers and textas are great as kids can rub out mistakes or change their mind as they go. It’s a great way for them to build confidence.
Engage in Creative Activities Together: Dedicate time to engage in arts and crafts as a family. This not only allows children to learn new skills but also strengthens family bonds. Choose projects that encourage collaboration, such as directed drawing together or projects for special occasions.
Incorporate Play into Learning: Turn everyday activities into creative projects. For instance, cooking can become a fun science experiment, while gardening can spark conversations about nature and responsibility.
This Halloween, Shannon has developed free downloadable craft activities with ‘directed drawing’ techniques which offer a multitude of developmental benefits.
“Directed drawing can help develop children’s fine motor skills, boost confidence and encourage creativity and critical thinking,” she said.
To download visit: www.pilotpen.com.au
