A harsh reality of the technologically driven modern world is that most of our kids' free time is taken up by screen time. Thankfully with the growing awareness regarding the importance of play for kids and the harmful impact of being glued to screens, there has been a resurgence of activities in life crafting. Crafting, especially when done from scratch, provides kids with an enriching and unique opportunity that extends far beyond mere entertainment and fosters learning. Through craft, kids can be empowered to explore and innovate.

Let’s find out more about how crafting from scratch empowers kids!

Developing Problem-Solving Skills Step-by-Step

One of the fundamental benefits of crafting is that it teaches the children how to approach each and every task methodically. While crafting, kids are required to proceed with the task step by step, which helps them learn to follow instructions and solve problems as they arise.

1. Following instructions and sequence: Whether it's a kids craft kit that already comes with a set of instructions to follow or crafting from materials at home, the desired outcome cannot be achieved without sticking to a set of instructions. For example, while building a house out of a Lego set, kids can’t simply stack legos randomly, rather they’ll have to place the legos in a specific manner following a sequence. This teaches kids to pay attention to details and follow instructions.
   
   
2. Overcoming Challenges: As much fun as crafting is, it’s not always smooth sailing. When kids engage in crafting, they are likely to face innumerable challenges and hurdles. For example, some pieces of Lego might not fit together, some colours might not match, or the paper might rip.  But these obstacles are important learning experiences for the kids. These challenges teach kids to find creative solutions to problems along with resilience. 

Balancing Structure and Creativity with Craft Kits

Craft kits for kids like perfume-making kits or origami are considered an excellent starting point for kids who are beginners in crafting. While you can also begin from scratch with materials available at your disposal, the USP of these kits is that they already come with complete instruction, a structured framework, and all the necessary materials which can be reassuring to kids. This is why these kits can be a relatively easier gateway to creativity for kids before they can try their hands at more freeform crafting.

There is a common misconception that structured kits are limiting for kids, but that’s not true at all. On the contrary, they act as a foundation on which your kid’s creativity can flourish. LEGO sets, for instance, are renowned for their ability to blend structure with creativity. While the instructions guide kids to build a specific model, the individual bricks can be used to create anything their imagination conjures up. Similarly, when kids grasp the concept of origami with structured sets, they can create more free-flowing origami from paper available at home even without instructions. 

Unleashing Creativity with Scratch Crafting

Once your kids get familiar with crafting kits and learn the basics, it’s the perfect time to take their creativity up a notch and give wings to their imagination by encouraging them to craft from scratch. The benefits of DIY crafting for kids are that working with raw materials gives them complete freedom of control over the process as well as the final outcome.

1. Freedom of Expression: Crafting from scratch possesses endless possibilities for kids to unleash their creativity. It allows children to let their imaginations run wild without any limitations. When kids are creating something from scratch, it means there is no right or wrong way to go about it. They can invent new techniques and mix and match anyhow they like. This not only fosters creativity but also teaches them to follow their intuition. Moreover, through this, they can also learn to think outside the box. Last but not least, it also helps them see potential in everyday objects. For instance, a simple cardboard box can become a spaceship for them.
   
   
   
2. Embracing Imperfection: While many professionally packaged craft kits provide all the necessary materials for an activity, being able to create on your own promotes an understanding of the concept of imperfection in children. Mistakes are not the end of the world and yet they are opportunities to learn and grow. This narrative change leads to building their resilience and placing their faith in their own abilities
   

Building Confidence Through Project Completion

Perhaps, the most satisfying part of crafting is when the project has been finished. No matter what it is, the moment kids complete a painting, assemble a model, or knit a scarf, they can feel the level of satisfaction become more and more immense. This completion of the craft makes kids feel more capable and helps them learn that there is more value in trying hard and putting effort than getting everything right and perfect.

In a world where children tend to be ranked by grades and success, creative freedom stands out as an idyllic setting where the joy of crafting is just as important as the result. The handmade imperfections are the best parts of their creations as they are not flaws, but the result of their effort and learning process. This shows kids how to strive for and appreciate their own efforts. With the result of their work displayed, for example on the fridge, in their room, or gifting to their nearest and dearest ones, children have physical evidence of work well done. It brings upon them a feeling of achievement, which makes them more confident and thus, helps them to overcome the new challenges.

Encouraging Exploration and Innovation

Crafting empowers kids to explore and create, fostering a mindset of curiosity and innovation. By engaging in open-ended activities, children learn to trust their instincts, experiment with new ideas, and embrace the unknown. This empowerment extends beyond crafting, and influencing how they approach problems and opportunities in their lives.

Creating a Craft-Friendly Environment at Home

Encouraging crafting at home can be extremely easy by simply offering the kids a wide range of resources for making crafts and tools for workmanship. You can set up a crafty corner with supplies that include paper, markers, glue, scissors, fabric scraps, and recycled materials. The warm and welcoming atmosphere of the craft room can entice the children as they plunge into their tasks and simultaneously express themselves in full freedom.

The Role of Parents in Driving Creativity

Parents can play a very important role in fostering a creative environment for their kids. Through simple gestures like showing interest in the crafts made by your kids, helping when necessary, appreciating them upon completion of the craft, and celebrating the efforts of your kids, you can reinforce the value of creativity. 

Summing It Up

Kids' craft should not be taken lightly as a mere hobby or leisure activity. The truth is, that crafting from scratch is a crucial learning experience for kids. Whether going with well-planned craft kits or exploring their imagination, children gain a lot of proficiency and confidence as they craft. Integrating crafting activities in their daily lives is a fantastic way for parents to actually show their kids the right tools for building resilience and out-of-the-box thinking, which will help them be more confident, competent, and emotionally balanced.