Have you ever wondered why art and crafts are so important for child development? For children aged, 3 – 8 experts say it is the most important way to help them grow and develop.
Here are five important areas of child development that parents can help their kids practice by doing art and crafts.
1. Motor skills
When kids use their fingers to manipulate art materials they are developing their fine motor skills as they use those small muscles in their hands. Their bilateral coordination skills improve as they learn to use both hands at the same time.
All this happens when they paint, colour, glue and cut. The quicker their fine motors skills develop the more they can do on their own, from eating by themselves to
tying their own shoelaces.
2. Learn languages
Early child literacy skills in art and crafts cover a wide range of areas from speaking and reading to listening and understanding. When kids make art or crafts they get to talk about their work which develops their communication skills. “Why did you choose that colour?” “Tell me about what you made.” They learn new vocabulary from their parents and when following verbal instructions they use their listening skills.
3. Creativity
Art allows kids to develop their creativity which is important throughout their lives. By doing something creative, they allow for self-expression and this lets kids express (and cope with) their feelings. It also fosters mental growth in children by providing opportunities for trying out new ideas, new ways of thinking and problem-solving.
4. Self-esteem
Art and craft activities give kids a sense of achievement and allow them to take pride in their work which builds confidence. Making art is a great, safe way to discover that it’s okay to make mistakes and that getting things ‘wrong’ can lead you to a whole new idea. Kids get to try new things and also develop their “self-regulation skills” (e.g. when waiting for paint or glue to dry). This helps them develop patience, which all kids need to develop.
5. Quality time / Parent Bonding
Kids just love to spend time with their parents and what better way than to do arts and crafts together? As a parent, you get to spend quality time bonding with your kids and at the same time, you are creating lifelong memories to cherish. While you are crafting together you get to talk about what you are making and discuss different ideas and subject matters.
As you can see, there are many reasons for your child to do art and crafts that will improve child development. But it’s a great way for parents to spend quality time with their kids and keep them off those screens.
