It's no secret that we have all been experiencing an increased level of stress in recent years. On top of the usual time tensions and work pressure we now have a global pandemic that has disrupted our lives and shaken our routines.  Kids have had to deal with this too, so its really important that they can find ways to move the bad stuff out of their minds.

It is more important than even for kids to have creative outlets and mindful activities that they can turn to when the world around them gets too shaky.  Nurturing creativity in kids and giving them space and tools to turn to is a great way to diffuse stress and tension and find a way for it to dissipate without the anxiety.

Getting creative can have the following benefits for children:

1. Reduce anxiety and help them work through any issues they may have through creative expression
2. Encourages new ways of thinking
3. Fosters new problem solving skills
4. Encourages self-expression
5. Boosts their imagination and creative skills
6. Creativity encourages curiosity which in turn aids in their development
7. Develop their self confidence, especially in trying new things and with communicating / expressing their feelings
8. Working with various materials can aid in fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
9.  Trying different things teaches them about what they like and don't like and helps them develop their unique and individual sense of identity

Creative activities don't need to be grand, and they don't need to be a chore for you or them!  Keep it simple. And of course, things will vary depending on how old they are.  Smaller kids might use drawing as a way to express themselves, whereas older kids might like to write stories or journal. So many options to have a bit of fun, help them grow, ease their minds, and keep them as happy as can be.  

Here are some things that could be great for a creative corner in your home.

DJECO 36 GOUACHE COLOUR PAINTS

This paint set will make the perfect addition to your little one's art and craft kit - and with 36 colours, it's the only paint they will need.  Picasso move over! 

DJECO - ANIMAL FAMILY ORIGAMI KIT

Kids love origami. It is a great craft that the whole family can do together. No mess, no fuss, maximum enjoyment.  And this Cute Animal Family kit from Djeco makes it even easier.  Paper pieces are cut to size and instructions included, this is a great Sunday arvo activity for you to do with your younger kids, or for you older kids to do by themselves. 

 

 

 

DJECO KIDS STATIONERY BOX SET - CHARLOTTE

This gorgeous Djeco Charlotte stationery box set is going to make a little girl very happy! It is filled with an amazing range of stationery items children will love having packed nicely on their desks. 

DJECO KIDS STATIONERY - 4 TINOU GLITTER MARKERS

These are gorgeous.  4 glitter markers in the set.  Red, Yellow, Blue Purple. Great for your little creative soul!

DJECO KIDS STATIONERY - ELODIE KIDS JOURNAL WITH LOCK

Lovely Elodie Kids Journal features 88 lined pages. Keep journal thoughts locked up with the padlock and 2 keys. Features beautiful whimsy illustrations and makes a lovely gift. Great for drawing, visual diary, keeping notes or a gratitude journal. 

 

DJECO KIDS STATIONERY - OWEN KIDS JOURNAL WITH LOCK

This is definitely a journal for the secret agent in house. This stunning notebook comes with a padlock with 2 keys. But the best part is that it also comes with a cool pen with invisible ink that appears the special light at the end of the pen.  Great for drawing, visual diary, keeping notes or a gratitude journal. 

 

OOLY CHUNKIE PAINT STICKS - SET OF 6

 Chunkies Paint Sticks are great for little kids to have fun painting colourful pictures without the mess. Chunkies are super easy to use, clean and portable because they’re like painting with a crayon. Just uncap, twist and start painting. The set of coloured paint sticks come in a thick barreled casing so they’re easy for little hands to hold. The paint colours are quick-drying but it’s easy to mix colours to make even more colours. It’s magic!

 

DJECO - FANCY HEART BEADS JEWELLERY CRAFT SET

A set of 285 stunning beads and heart-themed pendants to handcraft gorgeous jewellery. Great for school holidays, parties and makes a wonderful gift. Young girls will be delighted with this art and craft set by Djeco as they can create something that is truly their own. The different coloured beads can be threaded on ribbons and elastic to fit any imaginative idea.

LITTLE PEOPLE BIG DREAMS STICKER ACTIVITY BOOK

An activity book companion to the multimillion-copy best-selling Little People, BIG DREAMS series. Get ready to sticker, doodle, create and learn in this beautiful activity sticker book. Design an outfit for David Bowie, paint a self-portrait with Frida Kahlo, write a song with Dolly. 

STUDIO ROOF DIY ANIMAL STORIES - JUNGLE

Bring nature into your home with these beautiful creations. Put the Jungle Story set together and play your own story.  Simple colour, pop out and play. Let your kids imagination run free with this 3D puzzle scene to colour, assemble and play. 

 

OOLY MARKERS – STAMPABLES SCENTED MARKERS

This is such a cute kids markers and stamp set. Great for a gift for a creative little soul. It's a pack of 18 - markers on one end and stamps on the other. 

 

 

NUMERO 74 CREATIVE KIT - FLOWERS WHISPER

Make these beautiful flowers that can be used to adorn your canopy or birdcage - or any other creative endeavour! n°74 was born from the love of things made by hand – knitted, crocheted, embroidered, woven – and from the wish to imagine children’s bedrooms that are beautiful and tender, a space inviting them to dream. Now they have created the Made By You collection which brings art and craft in the most beautiful of ways to your kids.  And even to you...Opening up an endless world of creativity,  anyone can undertake their own creative projects with the same beautiful materials that we have all come to know and love from Numero 74.

 

Also check out these other mindfulness ideas for kids

SLOW DOWN 30 MINDFUL ACTIVITY CARDS

Help your little one feel grounded, find calm, improve focus, practice loving-kindness and relax with 30 nature-inspired activities. The boxed card deck includes 30 creative mindfulness games, visualizations, and exercises inspired by nature.

 

YOGI FUN - YOGA 4S CARDS

Yoga has become a really important tool for adults and kids for cognitive and physical development.  Yoga 4s  is a yoga-themed quartets card game encouraging sequential movement and dynamic family time.  Learn the variations of a pose and have fun doing it!

This great range of yoga practice for kids from Yogi Fun is a great way to start yoga at home with your little ones without too much fuss.

 

 

 

Other Resources

Preschooler creative learning and development: what to expect