Secrets to Connecting with Kids Through

Creative Projects

+ one freak-out amazing activity to start with

by Ana Dziengel

©2016 www.babbledabbledo.com

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In our kitchen we have a large paint stained table where my kids and I make stuff, experiment, laugh, talk, and connect. Getting my kids to come join me willingly and enjoy the time together has not come easy though. There have been tears, whining, and frustration, but over the years I have learned a better way to approach this creative time so that it is enjoyable for all of us.

This is my top tip! Make something incredible, freak-out, awesome amazing. Screams of delight, giggles, the wow factor, laughter and mystery are irresistible to kids and adults alike. I believe that fun, truly memorable experiences are a wonderful way to nurture family bonds and build a sense of togetherness.

I won’t leave you hanging for a project to try: At the end of this guide I have the very first project you should try with your kids and I bet all the materials are in your cupboard right at this moment. BONUS: Now that you’ve subscribed to our email list I’ll be sending more magical projects to your inbox!

make magic

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timing is everythingYou know the #1 reason for frustration with creative projects? Poor timing. Getting your kids to try something when they (or you) are tired and distracted is a guaranteed recipe for disaster. Plan something simple, short, and sweet for a time of the day/week when you know your kids will be receptive. Avoid choosing projects that are complicated or beyond your child‘s skill set. In 10-15 minutes most kids can complete a project and everyone will feel successful.

back-offThis is an essential secret: Back-off your child’s work! Please don’t hover over your child, dictating the entire process. Children will never develop their creative muscles if they are being told exactly what to do. Backing off gives your kids a chance to create on their own, experiment, fail, and learn to try again. This is not to say you can’t chime in if there are specific directions for getting something to work, but please refrain from controlling all aspects of a project.

If this is difficult for you (I know as a control freak this is HARD) here is a secret:

You will be at the table together and you and your child can bond as you try things and discuss results.

Do the project alongside your child.

do you secretly want to be known as the “coolest mom (or dad) on the block?”

Here are 5 secrets for connecting with your kids through super-cool creative projects!

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4 let them come to you on their terms

For parents who love to do creative projects and whose kids don’t, it may be frustrating to set something up only to hear your child declare they are not interested. My oldest is an avid gamer, he loves to build virtual worlds but is not thrilled with hands-on work or getting dirty, and it has been a real challenge to get him to come to the table and create. Instead of forcing him to try a project, I have developed a different strategy. I set up the invitation, let him know it’s there and I don’t push him to participate (though I do ask that he at least come see what we are doing before deciding).

To give you an example, recently I brought out a large chunk of potters clay, placed it on the table, and started making a coil pot. I let my kids know I was there, and lo and behold they all showed up, even my oldest. In fact he spent about 20 minutes carefully crafting a character from one of his video games out of clay. It was wonderful to watch and hear him talk about the character while he worked on it. My takeaway: Your children may surprise you by coming to the creative table on their own terms.

5choose open-ended projects

If you are used to doing crafts this last tip is probably going to be a major mind-shift for you: focus on the PROCESS, not the product. Let go of any expectations of what the finished project should look like. I believe the best bonding experiences are to be had over process centered projects. Open-ended projects yield a unique experience for everyone at the creative table and that is a real conversation starter!

Are you feeling pumped? You can do this! One last word of wisdom before we get to the super awesome project you will be trying RIGHT NOW…

DON’T DESPAIR! Sometimes I use all these secrets to set up what I think will be a great creative experience for my family and it fails. That’s okay! Keep offering the opportunity to work on creative projects together and your kids will join you when they are ready!

lastly...

...now for that freak-out project!I promised you an amazing project that is a guaranteed success: Rainbow Wizard’s Brew

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Baking sodaFood coloring

Glitter (optional)Dish soapVinegar

Tray with sides Glass Jar

wizard’s brewrainbow

Instructions:Fill the jar halfway with vinegar, then add a few drops of one color of food coloring and some glitter. Squeeze in some dish soap, stir, and place the jar on a tray. Now have your child add in a heaping teaspoon of baking soda, stir again, and watch the reaction begin! The soap will create amazing foaming power! Every so often as it fizzes, squeeze a few drops of different colors of food coloring into the mix. You’ll start getting a gorgeous sea of rainbow foam in the bottom of the tray. To keep the reaction going continue adding baking soda and vinegar when the foam starts to slow.

Stir it! My kids discovered that the more they stirred the mixture the faster and crazier the reaction! secret tip:

watch on you tube!

Materials: