Today I read something:
Pearlman: Parents, why are you pushing kids?
And finally it validated what I have been feeling for so long. My instincts tell me not to enrole my kids in every activity on the planet, but society says they will fall behind if I don't.
I say, let's start a revolution against selling our kids to consumerism and perfection and just be. What do you say?!?
There are many thoughts on how old a child should be before you trust them with a needle, but teaching the concept can begin during toddlerhood.
As soon as a child starts grasping things with their thumb and pointer finger, introduce simple lacing toys. Don't expect to be able to explain how to do it and have lacing pros. Instead, let them fumble through it and get a feel for cause and effect.
As they get older, you can upcycle some great things into lacing tools. Cut shapes.out of old maps, laminate them, punch holes around the edges, and string an old shoelace through the holes. Cut a cereal box up and punch holes around the edges. Punch holes in old greeting cards. The possibilities are limitless.
Once they become lacing pros, it's time to move up to yarn, yarn needles, and plastic mesh. Again, don't expect a masterpiece. The process is the important part, not the product.
Before you know it, they'll be ready for the real thing. There's no need for expensive craft kits. Just get an embroidery hoop small enough for them to maneuver, some embroidery floss, and a tapestry needle. Cut a piece from an old tee shirt just big enough to fit in the hoop. You will probably have to thread it the first 100 times, but let them try until they ask you to do it. If they feel discouraged, remind them that it takes a lot of practice. When you thread the needle, tie a knot around the eye so the thread doesn't come off a million times. Tie a knot in the end of the thread, and show them how to pull it through the fabric. Again, this is a process-not-product activity.
It's never too late to get started, and you'll be giving them a valuable gift that goes far beyond poking a needle through an old piece of tee shirt.
Trust me, you're gonna love it!
Mid summer can bring on the boredom blues. You've thrown every activity at them you can think of, and they just smile and keep on coming.
Spur some creativity and reclaim that boring wood fence lining your back yard by handing your kiddos a bucket of sidewalk chalk. Let them turn your fence into a work of art!
It's washable, renewable, cheap, and a great conversation piece for your next bbq.
Want bonus points? Get out there and create with them! It's less trying on adult bodies than sidewalk art, and your babies will love you for it!
Trust me, you're gonna love it!
What you'll need:
1. 1 straw for every child
2. 1 small bowl for every child
3. Bubbles or dish soap
4. Liquid watercolor paint
5. 1 needle(adult use)
6. Butcher paper
What you'll do:
1. Use needle to poke through straw 1" up from the bottom so kiddos can't suck soap into mouths.
2. Put small amount of bubbles or soap in small bowl
3. Add a few drops of liquid watercolor
4. Place butcher paper down on table or even on the ground in the driveway
5. Place bowl on top of paper
6. Give child straw and let them blow bubbles.
Many timea this project does not produce useable art. It's process focused rather than product focused.
Trust me, you're gonna love it!!
