Parenting Today
Gloomy winter days are a recipe for boredom, especially when all that cooped-up energy has no place to go! However, with some simple materials and creativity, you can turn days stuck inside into crafting extravaganzas. Plus, the fun doesn’t have to end once the craft is completed.
Why Pair Crafts with Activities?
- Beat the Boredom. When outdoor activities aren’t available, it is easy to go stir crazy or rely on screen time. Engaging in crafts that inspire play is a fun way to pass the time.
- Spark Imagination and Creativity. Tap into your kid’s creative sides and let their imaginations soar.
- Bonding. Time spent together creating and playing will create memorable moments you will fondly recall.
- Boost Confidence and Competence. Your kids will build skills and feel great about creating something they use for fun and entertainment.
Here are eight craft ideas that keep on giving after they come to life!
1. DIY Puzzles
Kids will not only enjoy making their own puzzles, but they can also put them together again and again. Plan to create age-appropriate puzzles based on the number and size of the pieces. As your child grows, so can the complexity of these projects. Here are some DIY Puzzle options:
- Purchase a puzzle kit online or at your local craft store. Then, paint, color, or heat press your artwork on the pieces.
- Use craft sticks to make a fun design puzzle.
- Paste a magazine page or photo to cardboard and cut out pieces.
2. Puppets
Puppets can provide hours of entertainment. Once you have a cast of characters, your kids can act out their favorite books and produce mini-plays. Don’t forget to build a cardboard theater for the performances. There are many DIY puppet ideas to choose from, including:
3. DIY Masks
Create animal, superhero, or masquerade masks out of fun materials, including glitter, feathers, beads, and fabric. Then, have a parade, host a party, or act out a play. Here are some ideas to inspire your imagination:
4. Homemade Playdough, Slime, and Goop
Homemade playdough, slime, or goop is lots of fun to make and even more fun to play with. Gather cutters, rollers, sprinkles, beads, and other fun tools to build a Playdough Kit that provides endless options for creating with your new material. Try out:
5. DIY Board Game
Board games are another fun activity to make and play with. Recreate classic favorites or create a game with your own moves, pieces, and rules. Here are some fun ideas:
6. Create a Miniature World
The fun doesn’t end after you build a miniature world. Whether it is a farm, construction site, fairy garden, or dinosaur land, these creations provide hours of imaginative play. Check out how to make:
7. DIY Costumes
Design costumes with old clothing, fabric scraps, felt, or cardboard. Then, put on a play or have fun pretending to be different characters or animals. You’ll never run out of ideas with these:
And, don’t forget the accessories:
8. Crafty Forts
Now that you have your costume, how about an amazing, homemade location to play in?
With these ideas, creating and playing go hand-in-hand! Let crafting be the beginning of the adventure, and say goodbye to gloomy day blues.
Source: Seattle Medium
