Crafting and Christmas go together like candy floss and a county fair. Crafting ornaments like macaroni angels, a walnut mouse, felt Santa, and a clothespin Rudolph were some of the things we made as children, and they still hang on my tree today. Every time I see them, a smile appears on my face as I think of all the happy memories of Christmas crafting from years gone by. After the holidays, we would gather up all the sparkly wrapping paper, decorations, bows, and ribbons to use for crafting next year . . . and for years to come!
CRAFTING AS THERAPY
Unbeknownst to me back then, I was using a widely effective therapeutic tool, now popularized as “creative arts therapy.” Crafting is a therapeutic tool used for improving mental-emotional health and general wellness. It helps elevate mood, alleviate stress, and engage the brain in creating positive cognitive connections. For children, crafting develops focus and attention and hand-eye coordination skills. Crafting also positively affects self-esteem and confidence, producing a sense of accomplishment and purpose. When you create and accomplish a task, you gain confidence in your ability to handle future tasks. This builds not only confidence in children, but independence and crucial problem-solving skills. Also, crafting is an empowering social activity and bonding opportunity with peers and parents.
FOSTERING CREATIVITY
Creativity is a skill that we all possess; we just need to cultivate and practice it. We need to create things—it’s an integral part of being able to express who we are as individuals, and it has the therapeutic benefit of allowing us to pour our emotions into something tangible. Fostering creativity in our kids improves their imagination, which positively affects their cognitive abilities and socializing skills. Our imagination is one of our greatest gifts; as adults, we lose it because we don’t respect its power and don’t practice it as a result. Don’t lose your imagination. Do something creative: bake, paint, dance, sing, or do whatever it was that you enjoyed as a child. Make time for creativity!
“The power of creativity can help us overcome difficulties, neutralize negative thoughts, and change our mood for the better.”
POSITIVE/NEGATIVE
Creativity is a powerful, positive force, but its counterpart is just as powerful. With creativity comes criticism, whether it be self-induced or societal. The fear of criticism may hinder the creative process, stemming from a false sense of not being good enough and the idea that art must be perfect to be valued. By encouraging our kids to be creative and demonstrating different ways in which they can be (e.g., explaining how they can paint with different styles or write stories in different ways), we instill in them positive self-esteem and confidence. This gives them the ability to diffuse negative criticisms, instead of letting it affect their creative process and enjoyment. When we notice we’re being over-critical of ourselves or others, or absorbed in negativity, the best practice is to activate our creativity (through arts, crafts, or other activities). The power of creativity can help us overcome difficulties, neutralize negative thoughts, and change our mood for the better.
Embrace your creativity and show it the gratitude it deserves as the precious gift that it is.
CRAFTS TO EVOKE YOUR CREATIVITY
Subconscious writing: Using a piece of paper and pen, set a timer for 10 minutes and just write. You could start with, “I don’t know what I’m writing but I am . . .” and continue with whatever thought comes next. You’d be surprised what flows out of you. The same exercise can be done using doodles or scribbles instead of words.
Interpretive dance: Put on instrumental or classical music and move freely; let your body guide you.
Guided drawings: There are so many fantastic, free videos out there that can help you learn how to draw or paint. Either follow step-by-step or use it as a guide to inspire your imaginative drawing.
Chopped: Junior Edition: Creativity can be practiced through any medium, including food. Put together a small basket of ingredients and create a healthy meal from it.
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