It can be hard to find the time to slow down and play with our kids but the Easter break offers the perfect opportunity to grab the craft box and get creative.
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"The four-day weekend is perfect for getting cosy at home and spending quality time with your little ones through simple arts and crafts," says Shannon Wong-Nizic, craft expert and owner of Oh Creative Day.
From cute bunnies and sweet chicks to colourful eggs, Shannon says Easter offers so many creative possibilities and it's a great way for the family to connect:
Memories: Working on creative projects as a family is a beautiful way to make memories. Store your favourite Easter craft to preserve these happy times with your children.
A chance to slow down: Studies have highlighted one of the benefits of crafting is that it causes us to slow down and connect with those around us. Easter crafting with your kids is a perfect chance to change pace, check in, chat and reflect.
Connecting through conversation: While their hands are busy crafting, children will often make comments that give you insights into their world. Crafting is the perfect opportunity to have rich conversations with your children.
Screen-free time: Crafting is a wonderful 'back to basics' activity. It calls on families to turn the screens off and connect with each other. It can help with mindfulness and concentration, seeing a project through from start to finish without distractions.
Opportunity for self-expression: It gives children the chance to creatively express themselves whilst processing the world around them. There is no 'right' or 'wrong', just a chance to joyfully be in the moment.
Resilience and problem-solving skills: Different materials work in different ways and can require problem-solving. Creating requires you to take risks when you're not sure how things will look or work together. As a teacher, these are all skills that we try to develop in a classroom. Crafting develops these important life skills.
Fine motor practice: Crafting is a fun way to encourage children to practise and refine fine motor skills. In order to hold a pencil and write, a child needs well-developed fine motor skills.
Craft makes us happy: Scientists say it releases serotonin and dopamine, which can lift your mood.
- Shannon Wong is a teacher, mum of three and avid crafter. An enthusiastic fan of pom poms, PVA and paint, she runs popular blog and online parenting resource dedicated to all things creative, https://ohcreativeday.com and has over 30,000 followers on Instagram. Download Easter craft templates using Pilot Pintor Paint Markers at www.pilotpen.com.au/activities