Balance Between Crafts and Games
For the youth of today, it's easy to forget how to appreciate the fine art of crafts making. Compared to just a few decades ago when they are easily encouraged to try out crafts like woodcarving or clay sculpting, this generation is attracted to the more colorful and vivid video games. A number of you, my fellow parents, would try to fight this by denying them of their video games altogether; I implore you to reconsider if this is what you are planning to do.
For the youth of today, it's easy to forget how to appreciate the fine art of crafts making. Compared to just a few decades ago when they are easily encouraged to try out crafts like woodcarving or clay sculpting, this generation is attracted to the more colorful and vivid video games. A number of you, my fellow parents, would try to fight this by denying them of their video games altogether; I implore you to reconsider if this is what you are planning to do.
We all know that having them make crafts is a more productive use of their time, but denying them what they have grown to enjoy is only going to estrange your kids from you. Instead of denying them their time with video games, try at least understanding what it is that they find enjoyable about them; be involved in what they like doing. But at the same time, get them involved in crafts, even if they don't spend as much time with it as you would like.
Remind the kids that this is a give and take process. Playing video games is a privilege, and with it comes your own privilege of wanting to spend time. As they will want very little of their time spent on their parents (hey, you were a teenager, too!), use this time wisely. Get them to help in the crafts that you do. Perhaps watch the sunset as you carve that wooden sculpture together.
Remember; do not force them to spend too much time with you. As teenagers, they would rather be with friends. Be okay with that (but do be in constant contact with their friends' parents as well); what's important at this point in their lives is that there should be time left with you. Do not force this into their minds; let the idea develop on its own with your prodding.
Every child will one day want to return to its roots. Be remembered as a parent who understood their wants, and they will share these wants with you as they go on in life.
For the youth of today, it's easy to forget how to appreciate the fine art of crafts making. Compared to just a few decades ago when they are easily encouraged to try out crafts like woodcarving or clay sculpting, this generation is attracted to the more colorful and vivid video games. A number of you, my fellow parents, would try to fight this by denying them of their video games altogether; I implore you to reconsider if this is what you are planning to do.
We all know that having them make crafts is a more productive use of their time, but denying them what they have grown to enjoy is only going to estrange your kids from you. Instead of denying them their time with video games, try at least understanding what it is that they find enjoyable about them; be involved in what they like doing. But at the same time, get them involved in crafts, even if they don't spend as much time with it as you would like.
Remind the kids that this is a give and take process. Playing video games is a privilege, and with it comes your own privilege of wanting to spend time. As they will want very little of their time spent on their parents (hey, you were a teenager, too!), use this time wisely. Get them to help in the crafts that you do. Perhaps watch the sunset as you carve that wooden sculpture together.
Remember; do not force them to spend too much time with you. As teenagers, they would rather be with friends. Be okay with that (but do be in constant contact with their friends' parents as well); what's important at this point in their lives is that there should be time left with you. Do not force this into their minds; let the idea develop on its own with your prodding.
Every child will one day want to return to its roots. Be remembered as a parent who understood their wants, and they will share these wants with you as they go on in life.
Author:
Maggie Simmons is is always seen at Massachusetts Craft Shows. Be a part of the various arts and crafts yourself, and go to Massachusetts Craft Fairs now!