As a parent, you’re often on the lookout for ways to occupy your child’s attention. This is especially important in early childhood, when their curiosity can sometimes get them into trouble. While one popular method is to let children spend time watching television or interacting with a computer or tablet, you can actually do more for your child by handing them crayons or paintbrushes. Below are four reasons why you should encourage your child to take part in arts and crafts.

Early Childhood Benefits of Arts and Crafts 

Early Development of Motor Skills

Almost all day care centers spend time encouraging children to participate in arts and crafts is because these activities help develop motor skills. The physical acts of holding crayons and paintbrushes or assembling bracelets with small beads help them learn manual dexterity. As your child works on each project, they’re learning the skills that will help them write better, hold eating utensils properly, and dress themselves.

Promotes Cognitive and Emotional Development

Creating a piece of art requires planning, patience, and practice. Your child develops these skills over time as they wait for paint to dry, figure out how to turn clay into different shapes, and learn to draw trees and people. As they build upon these skills, their art will improve, giving them a sense of pride and self-confidence.

Encourages Critical Thinking 

One aspect of planning a project is accepting that the project won’t always turn out perfectly. While this teaches children how to deal with disappointment, it also encourages critical thought. As they look at the finished project, they think about ways to improve it and how it might have been done differently.

Teaches Socialization and Cooperation

Another aspect of early childhood development is learning how to socialize with other children. As your child engages in arts and crafts projects, they’ll have to learn how to share art supplies. This teaches them to cooperate with one another, and it provides them with opportunities to develop their socialization skills.

First Steps Southbury Day Care and Learning Center in Southbury, CT, offers the help busy parents need to ensure children are provided with an enriching and caring environment. Whether you need a full day care service or are looking for an after-school program, they offer the helping hand you need. To learn more about the child care services they offer, take a tour of their website or call them at (203) 264-3735.