I think this is a pretty good list of 'rules' for art projects with kids. Check out the complete list and add your own in the comments either here or on toddlerapproved.com: http://www.toddlerapproved.com/2012/08/7-ways-to-enjoy-being-crafty-with-your.html
1. Prepare materials ahead of time or do projects that don't require much preparation.
The best crafts & activities for toddlers include very little materials and not much preparation. Whenever possible when crafIting with toddlers, prep everything ahead of time and try and have all materials close by and easily accessible (but out of reach of little fingers until they need it).
2. Let the mess stay within your comfort zone.
I don't mind a mess but I know several moms who dislike messy art projects. If you are worried about clothes or furniture, use smocks (or strip your kids down to their diapers). Create outside or in an area of your house that can get messy. Being stressed out while crafting is not ideal... so if an activity is too messy for you, do one that is more your style. Your toddler will appreciate any chance to create and connect with you.
3. Focus on the process... not an end product... if possible, don't even have an end product idea in mind with toddlers.
This is hard. I like to have something "fridge worthy" but without a doubt the process centered activities I do with my kids are always way more fun... and they are always fridge worthy because they are beautiful reminders of fun we've had together.
Here's a great post by Debbie Clement at PreK + K Sharing that discusses why process art is so important for kids.
4. Let your child take the lead in creating and deciding when they are done. For some toddlers this might be 3 minutes into the project... so keep them simple!
Forcing your child to do a craft project isn't going to create lasting positive memories. Making your child "finish" a project also doesn't yield great results.
5. Repeat the same projects over and over again.
Toddlers love repetition. Instead of trying to change it up and get her to try new mediums or ideas, just find new things to dip into paint. The process is basically the same, but the materials are a little different. She loves it and as she explores the same medium again and again she is getting more creative with what she does.
6. Keep your hands off their art!
It is tempting to finish projects for kids or add a few extra details to make a project more cute. By adding to or finishing your child's art, you may be sending the wrong message - like what she did wasn't good enough. You don't want her to feel that way!
7. Don't feel guilty if you don't want to be crafty with your kids.
Let the guilt go. Don't feel the need to put other moms down for wanting to craft or create with their kids either. Whatever works for you is what you should do. Your child wants to spend time with you and it doesn't really matter how you spend that time as long as you both enjoy it!
What else would you add to this list?
1. Prepare materials ahead of time or do projects that don't require much preparation.
The best crafts & activities for toddlers include very little materials and not much preparation. Whenever possible when crafIting with toddlers, prep everything ahead of time and try and have all materials close by and easily accessible (but out of reach of little fingers until they need it).
2. Let the mess stay within your comfort zone.
I don't mind a mess but I know several moms who dislike messy art projects. If you are worried about clothes or furniture, use smocks (or strip your kids down to their diapers). Create outside or in an area of your house that can get messy. Being stressed out while crafting is not ideal... so if an activity is too messy for you, do one that is more your style. Your toddler will appreciate any chance to create and connect with you.
3. Focus on the process... not an end product... if possible, don't even have an end product idea in mind with toddlers.
This is hard. I like to have something "fridge worthy" but without a doubt the process centered activities I do with my kids are always way more fun... and they are always fridge worthy because they are beautiful reminders of fun we've had together.
Here's a great post by Debbie Clement at PreK + K Sharing that discusses why process art is so important for kids.
4. Let your child take the lead in creating and deciding when they are done. For some toddlers this might be 3 minutes into the project... so keep them simple!
Forcing your child to do a craft project isn't going to create lasting positive memories. Making your child "finish" a project also doesn't yield great results.
5. Repeat the same projects over and over again.
Toddlers love repetition. Instead of trying to change it up and get her to try new mediums or ideas, just find new things to dip into paint. The process is basically the same, but the materials are a little different. She loves it and as she explores the same medium again and again she is getting more creative with what she does.
6. Keep your hands off their art!
It is tempting to finish projects for kids or add a few extra details to make a project more cute. By adding to or finishing your child's art, you may be sending the wrong message - like what she did wasn't good enough. You don't want her to feel that way!
7. Don't feel guilty if you don't want to be crafty with your kids.
Let the guilt go. Don't feel the need to put other moms down for wanting to craft or create with their kids either. Whatever works for you is what you should do. Your child wants to spend time with you and it doesn't really matter how you spend that time as long as you both enjoy it!
What else would you add to this list?