by Cindy Hartzell

Created on: August 24, 2007

Please excuse me while I climb upon my decoupage soap box, and boastfully preach all the wonders and benefits of crafts to all that will listen! I almost believe if we could have a "World Craft Day" it actually could bring the fruition of (often proclaimed as desired) "World peace!" Also frequently stated, by many (which will remain unidentified here), "you have to start at home." Regardless, if your child is a bright, well adjusted, straight-A student; or one that suffers from anxiety and some form of self-abuse; there is a craft that can be of benefit. More likely, your child falls somewhere along the spectrum between the two just described; no matter; there are as many crafts as there are problems!

One of the most popular problems for children is not having enough money to afford a gift for a friend or loved one. Rather than focus on the dollar aspect, help your child switch their thinking over to pleasing the gift recipient with a well thought out handmade gift. Baked goods, collages, paintings, toiletries, just to name a few, can be made with very little cash outlay. Furthermore, these items can be customized to please, whether the recipient is Grandpa or their new goth friend.

Children that struggle with math in the classroom will benefit from real life applications they can get from craft projects. When your recipe for bath salts calls for 3 cups of sea salt, and the bag you found at the store only has 2 cups; this is a great opportunity to multiply the recipe by 2/3! If the cinnamon dough recipe only makes 24 ornaments, and you need 36; multiply the recipe by 1 and a half! Believe it or not, needlework also reinforces math skills.

Crafts provide an excellent outlet for emotions; they can calm anger and anxiety, and help reduce boredom. Repetitive motions, using in painting, collage and needlework can be used for relaxation and can help the hyperactive child find a positive focus for energy. Self-expression projects are excellent therapy for adolescents and teens with eating disorders, or those that practice self-abuse like cutting.

Honestly, with any craft activity you choose, your child will benefit. Without getting into a full blown discussion of brain physiology; crafts require any one or a combination of sensing, memory, sorting, matching and other functions which stimulate the brain. This stimulation results in brain growth and greater capacity for solving problems of any kind. Have fun exploring which crafts are right for you and your children. See you at "World Craft Day!"

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