Before the paint hits the fan, let our expert tips guide your next project.
The Sprout website offers hundreds of fun, age-appropriate
project ideas for your little ones. Maximize your craft time
with expert tips from Sprout.
Choose Wisely
Build interest in the project by choosing a theme your Sproutlet
loves. Whether it's dinosaurs or flowers, or Caillou or Elmo, hit
the sweet spot to ramp up your child's motivation.
If your child is new to crafting, start with a very simple
project. A single-step activity-like gluing pasta on
cardboard-might be perfect for your little one's attention span and
frustration level.
Prepare
Get your supplies organized before you announce the activity.
Your Sproutlet's eagerness to make Thomas the Tank Engine may
evaporate if you're running through the house searching for an
empty shoebox. And, of course, have all the basics (like
paper, markers and glue) in one nearby place.
Reduce & Recycle
Be good to the earth… and your wallet. Use what you already have
on hand. Save bottle tops, cups, magazines, ribbons, tin foil, and
cardboard tubes. Your child's creativity will thrive as she
imagines new ways of using these ordinary objects.
Be Flexible
Enjoy the process; avoid focusing on the outcome. Your Sproutlet
might enjoy one step of the project-like painting-and stay there
for a while. Or she might take the project in a completely new
direction. Allow her the freedom to explore.
Be There
If you're looking for a distraction while you are on phone or
doing the dishes, a craft isn't your best bet. Crafting with a
young child requires your presence. Be there to offer direction and
help. Your involvement now builds skills that yield more
independence later.
Dive In
If you're like many parents, you might not consider yourself the
"crafty" type. Don't worry, your child will never know. Your job is
to offer the enthusiasm, materials and oversight to jumpstart your
child's creativity.
View It Together
When it comes to crafts, does your child seem unfocused? Try
viewing a how-to clip together (on TV or the web). Step-by-step
videos can make an abstract concept much more concrete.
