It's also a good way to challenge a child's imagination.
However, along the way I've encountered some pitfalls that can dampen an arts and craft project - little things that can turn into big things and somehow take the joy out of starting a project with your child.
For instance, I've learned not to start making something close to bed time, because either I'm too tired or Nicholas is. And that can lead to short fuses and unnecessary mishaps.
Another pitfall of mine is being too judgmental about the project. As one expert explained recently, "crafting isn't a contest. In fact, it isn't any kind of test." It's supposed to be fun. There have been past projects where I thought our efforts should have resulted in something prettier, something bigger--something better. But I've learned to keep such criticisms to myself, because Nicholas is always proud of what he's done--and that's all that matters.
In fact, the less results-oriented you are about an arts and craft project, the better. As the saying goes: "it's not the destination, it's the journey". And the journey I've learned should be filled with miles and miles of praise for your child when the creation is complete--regardless of how it looks in your eyes.
