Craft with your Kids this year!
We are excited to introduce the Crafting and Connections Resource Guide created by Lauren, one of our dedicated local coordinators. This guide aims to inspire au pairs and host families with a selection of creative crafts to enjoy together each month. It’s a practical way to encourage creativity, build connections, and spend quality time away from screens.
What Inspired the Guide?
Lauren, a mom of two with years of experience working with children, understands that crafting can feel intimidating. “It’s not as simple as grabbing some cotton balls, scissors, and markers and letting the kids go for it,” Lauren explains. “There are a few steps that help make crafting enjoyable and successful: understanding what’s developmentally appropriate, considering time frames, and keeping materials manageable. These steps may seem basic, but they don’t always come naturally.”
Lauren’s goal was to create a guide that inspires confidence and makes crafting approachable for everyone. Beyond the fun, crafting also helps develop fine motor skills, provides a break from screens, and leaves children beaming with pride at what they’ve made.
The Crafting and Connections Resource Guide aims to inspire au pairs and host families to:
– Step out of their comfort zones and try new activities.
– Build deeper connections with their children or host children.
– Foster creativity, imagination, and fine motor skills.
– Enjoy meaningful time together away from screens.
How the Crafts Were Chosen
Lauren’s thoughtful selection process ensured the crafts:
– Are age-appropriate, so kids can actively participate.
– Require minimal materials, making them accessible and sustainable.
– Can be completed within kids’ attention spans.
– Align with the seasons for added fun and functionality, such as creating gifts or decorations.
Lauren’s Favorite Crafts
While it’s hard to choose just one, Lauren shared her top three favorite crafts from the guide:
Acorn Bird Feeder
A simple and engaging activity that introduces little ones to nature.
Bug Hotel
A fun project for older kids that combines creativity with learning about insects.
Fall Fashion
A seasonal craft that’s perfect for reusing and recycling materials while letting kids’ imaginations run wild.
Lauren loves these crafts because they can be split into two parts: gathering materials outside in the morning and crafting in the afternoon. This structure turns them into a full-day adventure, complete with opportunities to incorporate books or educational moments. Plus, they’re simple enough to encourage kids’ creativity without requiring extensive adult intervention.
Advice for Au Pairs
Lauren’s top tips for successful crafting include:
– Plan ahead: Prep materials in advance to make the process smoother.
– Involve the kids: Let them gather supplies and clean up afterward—you’ll be amazed at their enthusiasm!
Get Started Today
We hope this guide becomes a treasured resource for your family. Whether you’re crafting an Acorn Bird Feeder, building a Bug Hotel, or exploring other creative projects, you’re sure to make lasting memories together.
Download the Crafting and Connections Resource Guide and let the fun begin! Share your creations with us on social media—we can’t wait to see what you make!