Christmas Crafts for Kids

Added: (Tue Nov 23 2010)

Pressbox (Press Release) - With Christmas almost upon us, parents are now looking for activities that will keep their kids occupied over the holiday period without it costing them a fortune. Many of them are now rebelling against the over-hyped toy market and looking for more absorbing activities for their children.

Maybe it's because of the current financial climate, but retail figures show there is less impulse buying of expensive toys. Parents are now looking to get more value for money when it comes to their children's activities.

How many times have you given a toy to your child only for them to get bored with the toy in a few minutes? We've all seen it before: children bored with their expensive toys and games that don't give them something to think about and be involved in.

Sometimes the child plays with the cardboard box the toy came in and seems to get more fun out of it than the toy itself. Could this be because the toy takes all the imagination out of playing?

You don't need to buy expensive electronic toys that leave your kids bored after five minutes. Many children enjoy more involving activities such as crafts, games, puzzles and coloring sheets that not only keep them entertained but occupy their minds.

The ads on TV would have you believe that unless you buy your child 'the next big thing' you are not a proper parent. We've been brainwashed into believing that we have to spend a fortune on expensive toys and games by the big manufacturers and retailers.

That's nonsense.

How many barely used toys and games does your child have lying around the house? I'll bet if you were to add up what they all cost, it would give you a shock!

Here are the facts: children's brains are growing all the time. The first years of life are the most critical for brain development. These first few years are when the brain is undergoing a series of important changes.

Games that stimulate children are wonderful brain-builders. Even simple puzzles build important neural connections that can improve a child's intelligence.

Creative and involving play enables kids to develop their imagination and helps them develop a number of core skills that will be needed later in life.

Pre-programmed mechanical toys are not the answer.

If fancy electronic toys really are the best thing for children, then why do we see a lot of bored, listless kids idly pressing and flipping buttons with blank looks on their faces?

Children need stimulation. Activities like drawing help a child develop fine motor skills, co-ordination and logical thinking. These simple games give your children the freedom to explore on their own terms and not be overwhelmed.

Many child experts now agree that the best way for children to build the synapses of the brain relating to emotion, reasoning and memory is to be involved in drawing, crafts and art.

There are many games, activities and crafts that will have them playing, laughing, learning and thinking. When they've finished, they'll also have something that will give them a sense of pride and achievement... while keeping them happy and busy.

Growing numbers of parents are realising that you can entertain and enthral your kids for days, even weeks...without expensive electronic games!

A new YouTube video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xhJaYqOVJk tells you where to get downloadable Christmas crafts, games, puzzles and coloring pages. You can print off as many as you want, when you need them. All you need is paper, pens and crayons.

Perhaps this is the start of a new trend where parents revert to a simpler, less hyped method of occupying their kids. A method that may be better for the children in the long run.