May is here with summer hot on its heels. 2022 saw many kids returning to school, but summer means they’re going to be back home and looking for things to do. While some parents are willing to send their kids to summer camp, the looming risk of COVID makes that idea more daunting than daily trips to school. Indeed, the pandemic will likely keep children from socializing with their peers as much as they normally would this summer, making family members their primary companions. And while parents are excited to spend time and do activities with their children, even the most involved moms and dads need time for themselves. Luckily, there are activities children can do both with their families and safely on their own: DIY crafts.
Making cool art is usually a big hit with kids in the summer: it’s a great way to be creative, express themselves, and have something permanent to show for it. Crafting can be done alone or in groups, and at any time of the day, making it the ideal activity to stay out of the heat or wind down in the evening. It’s also a path to developing key skills while having fun. Parents who teach their kids crafts can create a wonderful sense of family continuity while fostering confidence and independence.
The great thing about crafts is the do-it-yourself angle. These are activities children should not need their parents to practice on their own. Caregivers can craft with children when they’re free and also leave their children to their own projects when work or errands (or personal time) comes calling. Of course, this means that crafts can’t be anything the child needs adult supervision to do safely.
“The younger the child, the simpler the craft” is a pretty obvious rule of thumb. Making paper airplanes, for example, just takes a single sheet of paper, and some markers or crayons if you’re feeling fancy. Paper plates and dixie cups only need glue and construction paper to become ornaments, shields, turtles, towers, and more. And we can always bring summer camp home with that cupboard classic, the macaroni necklace.
Older children can be trusted with tools like safety scissors, knitting needles, clothespins, and more. Activities could include collaging, sculpting with popsicle sticks, or making marble runs using some paper towel and toilet paper tubes. Beyond that, you have children who can handle activities like knitting or weaving. Older children can also work with materials like metal and glass (so long as they’re checked for sharp edges) to make things like toy robots out of tin cans or decorative containers out of old jars.
Temporary tattoos are another summer staple, with kids of all ages rocking the water-transferred images all through the break. DIY projects could see kids designing their own tattoos to be custom ordered to the home, for themselves, their friends, or even their family (no reason a mom can’t have a tattoo that says “SON”). Parents can even teach their kids basic computer-aided design as they create the tattoos they’ll be showing off on the playground or over social media.
DIY crafting opens kids up to a whole world of play, creativity, and inspiration. All it takes to get started is some basic household items and white glue. Before you know it, kids will be creating original works, both with their parents and on their own. Whatever you do, though, don’t let them use too much glitter. Your floors, pets, and teeth will thank you.
