How many pastimes do you have that are productive and rewarding but also minimize stress and help release dopamine? Most people would say that exercise is one that fits this criterion and that they constantly use it as a release in their life. Now try to think of one that isn’t physically active. A bit harder, right?
Crafting, a passive pastime, is a scientifically proven experience that brings peace to both the mind and body. This makes great for children and adults alike. Here are the top three reasons crafting is good for the brain (and why you should integrate it into your child’s routine).
1. It helps focus attention on a task
How do you teach focus? Perhaps you’ve never thought about it, but if your 3-year-old lacks the ability to complete an activity like reading a book start to finish then this can be a helpful practice. When you’re crafting, you have a goal. You’re working on the project until you achieve your desired result. You also need to ensure that you follow each step correctly so that you can follow the next step since they often depend on another. It’s a great lesson on not only focusing on getting a job done but also following directions.
2. It encourages mental challenge and problem solving
While there are undoubtedly directions and a “right” way of doing a craft, there’s likely to be an error somewhere in the execution. Rarely does anyone follow every single step correctly or even desire to (see #3 about creativity). Crafts are mentally stimulating and present a challenge because they prompt you to see your final result in a different way. What will work? What won’t? It’s a puzzle you’re ultimately creating.
3. It encourages active creativity
Think about your child’s weekday. If they’re above the age of 3, it’s likely that they spend a significant amount of their time in a structured environment (school). Thus, the creative element of crafting is highly desirable. It is a way of discovering themselves, what they like, and what they can create when they’ve never done it before. The very first time your child does a craft, you’ll see how they react to it. Perhaps you have a child who has no problem thinking outside the box or the provided directions. Maybe you have a child who wants to follow the picture exactly or asks for help because they aren’t sure of the “right” way to do it. No matter your child’s personality, you can use crafting as a way to push them to think differently and be creative. It’s a healthy and determine outlet outside of the structure that they’re used to.
Final thoughts
Crafting daily or weekly can help to relieve stress, learn focus, and activate creativity you never knew was possible. Whether you’re helping your child grow in any of these areas or you need a project yourself, sign up for our newsletter to receive a notification of our new series of craft kits releasing soon or visit Caron Designs for craft kits to get started.
#craftkits #crafting @carondesigns #creativity
