So, you decided to redecorate your room again? Did you ever finish "decorating" it last time? I can't tell you how many people I know, including myself that have had this discussion or at least wanted to. Maybe it's ADD or ADHD, maybe indecision, lack of vision, perhaps it's simply a case of not knowing the rewards of ACCOMPLISHing a goal. What if there were something parents could do to help with many different things that will directly impact the way their children see themselves and the world, as adults? What if I told you that this same thing is easy, but FUN? No, seriously, it really IS FUN! Doing crafts with your kids, regardless of their age can bring tons of benifits to your life, and especially thiers.

Probably the most accepted top benifit of doing crafts with your kids is that it fosters creativity. Now that may not seem like much now, but what if they decide to be architects or interior designers, what about authors, musicians, teachers or even farmers? In about every occupation there is a place for creativity. Not only in aesthetic aspects, but thinking outside the box. Consider the teacher who makes her lesson plans into engaging and enjoyable games to promote fun while learning? Or the farmer that designs his farm to fully maximize his space to include cattle as well as crops? Vastly different careers, but the ability to be creative has given each their own reward.

Time management is another benifit that most don't tend to think of when thinking about crafts. When you are going to do a project at home, say paint a room in a weekend, do you begin painting with pictures still on the wall? Or do you purchase your paint, clear the walls, tape the edges, put down plastic, THEN begin to paint? When doing crafts with your kids, the concept is still the same. You set aside an alotted time to do the craft as well as the materials. Children learn to work within the time frames set to complete goals given to them.

Self confidence and pride are my favorite of the benifits of kids doing crafts. When you get an idea, and proceed to set it into motion it is thrilling, yes. But, when that idea comes to life at your own hard work, it goes beyond thrilling into pride in yourself. That pride is even greater when you have had to overcome obstacles to reach your goal. The same can be said for a craft that didn't seem to be going as well as planned and a child has to "rethink" their plan. Self confidence comes from a repitition of following through with goals.

Whether you look at crafts as just fun and games or not, the benifits are there. So much can be gained by helping your children with crafts, including a great time to spend together focused on a goal. Just remember, crafts for kids are fun and a great learning tool. Like anything else, don't overthink the process and enjoy the time your kids get while learning.