Arts and Crafts - Tips and Advice: Occupying Little Visitors
by Shawnee Bowlin
FeedTheVillage.com - Arts and Crafts - Tips and Advice: Occupying Little Visitors
Over the years, I have babysat for friends and family and have had kids visiting my own children. One of the ways I kept them occupied when all else failed was with arts and crafts. Children like to make messes. If they can make constructive messes or have a mess with a specific purpose, it makes it better for them and for the adults in charge. So, when I would notice my little visitors getting restless and bored, I would pull out the arts and crafts. I know people who have children visit their home and they fully expect these children to stay for long periods of time with no means of keeping themselves occupied in a way that will interest them on their own age level. This is, in my humble opinion, grossly unfair to the children. Even with all the interesting additions to our society's games and movies and television programs these days, a little arts and crafts can provide fun for the little ones. Many do not get to participate in these type of fun things unless they go to school or daycare. I find it surprising the number of people who don't even keep crayons and glue at home for their children anymore. The most versatile of crafts in my household is the old-fashioned collage art. The kids, no matter what age, enjoy making collages with many different types of materials. Beads, beans, rice, sticks, leaves, colored papers, or whatever tiny pieces of material you can throw together will be fun. All you need to keep is some cardstock or even the cardboard you find in the t-shirt packages, glue, and the above-mentioned types of materials. If you are worried about the surface on which they will work, cover it with old newspaper or put them on the floor of the carport outside (weather permitting). It's easy to find little things to use and easy to store the materials in an out-of-the-way area until the little visitors arrive. Actually, I enjoy getting involved myself with this type of project and so do older children. The artistry that emerges can sometimes be some of the most heartwarming or colorful that you could imagine. Children can be very inventive and creative once they are allowed to explore their imaginations. I've noticed that some can be very particular as well, once they get their ideas in their minds! So be kind to your little visitors and you might even find yourself getting caught up in the enthusiasm. Click here to read or post comments.
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