Safety is a definite concern with children and any craft project. But if your child isn't old enough to use tools should you wait to begin them crafting?
There is a trend in schools that when budgets are cut the first programs cut in the school system are the arts and crafts classes. Because they are fun, many people believe they are the most expendable. After all our children are not in school for fun.
This is a sad remark on our society. In all civilizations throughout history it is documented that when the arts declined, so too did the society as a whole. Arts and crafts are an escape, a hobby, and just plain fun, but they are much more. When we do crafts we are using our right brain. The right hemisphere of the brain handles all of the critical analysis, problem solving, creativity and imagination.
We focus on our children's health and safety to make sure they grow up big and strong. When is the last time you concerned yourself with exercising their mind? There is not an invention in this world that was't an idea from someone who used their right brain to imagine "what if?".
Intelligence is directly linked to imagination and creativity. Imagination gives us the ability to problem solve in any situation. To problem solve you need to have the ability to compare and contrast and think in what we call "out side the box". To find new solutions to issues that are original and a win-win situation for all parties.
Children should be encouraged in all areas of the arts from as early as possible. It is a fact that within the first three years of life the child's brain has the most growth and sets them up with the foundation of what brain power they will have for the remainder of their life.
You can actually encourage children's success in school by beginning early at home with any and all creative efforts. If a child is too young to use scissors, let them tear paper. Both boys and girls can string large beads or uncooked noodles. There are foam beads available now that allow the child to be able to make bracelets or necklace they can be proud of.
Give your small child a magazine or tissue paper to tear up and glue onto a piece of cardstock. They may make a mess with the glue but as long as you are using non-toxic glue they will be safe and everything cleans right up. And when you think about it what is more important, your child's brain development and success in life or restricting messes. Given that choice, while your children are young, just invest in a lot of sponges.
