Christmas is just around the corner.
Question: have you been purchasing Christmas wrapping paper and cards all this while? Would you consider for a change making your own cards and wrapping paper with your kids for this Christmas?
It is not only fun, but it is also a great exercise / activity to encourage your child's creativity. Making things is also a great way to connect with your children on a deeper level.
Would you be interested?
First of all, get your kids to create a card and matching wrapping paper for each relative, such as grandpa, grandma, dad, mum, sister, and brother etc. Get their creativity going, and get them to think about what’s special about that person. Ask what they love doing together, which colour would they like to create in, and what design would they like for that special person…
How to create the wrapping paper and card?
Your child will need:
- Blank piece of white paper – similar to the ones from the deli
- Paint and brushes, or coloured pencils / pens
- Lots of patience and creativity.
If your child prefers, he can cut and paste recycled Christmas wrapping paper and add their own painting. For those older GoKids, how about adding some words onto the drawing paper, like “Merry Christmas”, “Have a blessed Christmas”…or words about love and peace.
What are the benefits of involving your children in this activity?
This exercise will encourage your children to explore and connect to their own thoughts on a deeper level. For example, when your child starts writing to his or her friends and relatives, it gives them the opportunity to explore their own feelings and thoughts in their own way. They can think about what they feel about the relationships, what are the special bonds between them, and, for example, what does grandma like?
- It gives your child the opportunity to explore the creativity within them and express themselves through art.
- It allows your child to explore and identify his or her feelings about that person, and how they feel about that person.
- It allows your child to create a special connection through their feelings and thoughts.
For example, when your child writes to her grandmother: “Dear Grandma, wishing you a blessed and happy Christmas. Wish you were here to share the occasion with us. I miss you heaps!” … this message is telling you that your child is missing her grandmother and would have loved to have her around more often, especially during a special time like Christmas.
You can also use this opportunity to explore their feelings on a deeper level, such as giving her the opportunity to tell you how she would like to spend more time with her grandma? Invite her to the house more often? Visit her during school holidays? Talk to grandma more often over the phone/Skype? Or write to her more often?
From a simple note, not only will you have a better understanding of what your children are thinking and experiencing at that moment. But you can use this opportunity to explore more avenues to create a deeper relationship with them, and an opportunity to connect and open up better quality conversations.
It is never too early to guide them.
Use this example for all occasions, like birthdays, friendship day, or for no apparent reason. Get your children into writing, exploring and expressing their thoughts and feelings through greeting cards and letters/emails.
Remember, each child is unique; they learn and express ideas differently and on many different levels. Be creative with your children, but most of all, be patient and have tons of fun with your child.
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