by C.S.Alexis

Created on: June 06, 2008   Last Updated: December 23, 2010

Children need to learn as much as possible before they go into the world as young adults and work to make a life for themselves. Many of the skills used in everyday life can be cultivated due to accomplishments that are picked up while engaging in various crafts and later applied to other situations that arise throughout there lives. The thing about crafting that sets apart from other forms of learning is that crafting is more often viewed, from a child's perspective, as play and not work. Learning in more formal settings such as schools and classrooms are often perceived as a drudgery. The attitude taken from the start can often put a damper on the entire learning process, so sharing a crafting experience with children is almost always, a sure way to learn important skills and, acquire many other benefits in the process.

The major benefit of crafting might be considered the final product of whatever craft you are pursuing. This is true but the benefit of problem solving also hides in the production of any craft. Thinking a project through from start to finish and actually creating the work involves so much more. Problem solving is a major player in our everyday lives as we become adults and it is a skill that can make or break any given situation. Important life skills lurk in the midst of almost all crafting professions.

Tools and materials used in the crafting process might also be some of the same tools that will later be used in other given circumstances. A great example of this would be using a color wheel to determine how we mix and match different colors to enhance an artistic endeavor. Color schemes will crop up in adulthood with our wardrobe, home decor and, even in something as simple as decorating a cake for our children's birthday party. This is not always something thought about when crafting with children but, the underlying benefits are being absorbed by the children, to some degree or other.

Learning to handle a hammer, nails, screwdriver and screws, glues and scissors all seem to be things we take for granted but, the more we work with such items and apply them to crafts we enjoy, the more knowledge is being harbored for future needs. The wonderful thing about crafting with children is that they learn, have fun and when their project is completed, they enjoy a feeling of accomplishment. This benefit is the driving force that helps develop a desire to pursue greater tasks and furthers the honing of skills acquired from crafting. The benefit of building confidence in children also rests in sharing crafts with kids.

Think about how much you enjoy your own crafting projects. The next time a youngster shows interest in what you are doing, share your experience with them. This is one of the best ways to help any child grow and develop and you will both benefit from the exchange of energy. Who knows, you might be the one to trigger that child's imagination and start them on the path to a life long career. You will for sure, experience a moment of bonding that will enhance your own life if not a child's.

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