CRAFT TIME BUILDS CONNECTIONS

From Easter hats to baskets and painted eggs – there’s no getting away from it – Easter is craft time.

For many mums it can be something they dread because craft means mess which equals more work, so many choose to avoid it all together but are then hit with ‘craft guilt’.

“From my years working with mums and kids, I have seen so many mums suffer from craft guilt whereby they’re torn with spending joyous hours crafting with their child and therefore being a ‘good mum’ but time and mess play such a huge factor that they avoid it altogether and then guilt rears its ugly head,” says clinical psychologist and parenting specialist, Renee Mill.

Renee says the rise in technology also has a part to play as it has placed a focus on ‘learning’ rather than creative pursuits and family time.

“Self-directed, creative play is way more beneficial to a child’s development,” she says.

When a child plays in this way – with craft at home for example – they have the opportunities to practise and succeed in different skills that they can’t do when it’s not self-directed play.”

According to Renee there are so many advantages of ‘crafternoons’, such as increased family interaction, less screen time, greater problem-solving abilities, increased mindfulness and a decrease in anxiety in children.

Teacher and Instagram craft guru and blogger at Oh Creative Day Shannon Wong-Nizic (pictured) says it gives her a chance to slow down and connect with her children.

“Crafting forces me to be present and the conversations that arise are priceless. I like to think that busy hands lead to loose lips,” she says.

“When kids are busy making and creating, they tend to be less guarded and are happy to chat about anything and everything.”

“Putting my teacher hat on, craft is also great as it allows children to explore materials, practise fine motor skills and develop vocabulary,” adds Shannon.