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Matilda
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| Posted: Jan 29 2009 at 11:34am | IP Logged
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I couldn't think of a better title so I am open to suggestions. This is a question not just about doing crafts with kids, but what to do when we all do a craft together and they compare their efforts to mine and end up disappointed in their finished product?
I am not a natural artist. Everything I can do now, I have learned to do and I have practiced enough to be somewhat proficient. When I sit down to do a craft with the kids and I join in with them, I try to encourage them and give them helpful hints that might make it easier but I don't do it for them. I am full of positive comments because I remember having my "art" critiqued by art teachers and feeling very dejected and unwilling to try again. It was painfully obvious to me that I was not a natural. But even after all of that, they still look at my finished product and compare theirs to it. I am wondering if I should be crafting with them at all or just providing crafting opportunities for them and then watching from a distance. I don't know how to convince them that what I can do now took years and years of practice. I wish I had some of my early "art work" to show them, but I don't.
Anyway, I was just wondering if it's just me and if anyone has any suggestions. Thanks!
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Charlotte (Matilda)
Mom to four (11 , 10 , 9 & 5 ) an even split for now
with bookend boys and a double girl sandwich
Waltzing Matilda
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Matilda
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| Posted: Jan 30 2009 at 12:05am | IP Logged
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Please tell me this isn't just me?
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Charlotte (Matilda)
Mom to four (11, 10, 9 & 5) an even split for now
with bookend boys and a double girl sandwich
Waltzing Matilda
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MaryM
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| Posted: Jan 30 2009 at 12:37am | IP Logged
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I somehow missed seeing this thread this morning...
Matilda wrote:
| I am wondering if I should be crafting with them at all or just providing crafting opportunities for them and then watching from a distance. |
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Have you tried that approach just to see if their response to their products/results is different when you do that? It may be that it makes a difference - maybe not. Some chidlren are just more critical of their own work and make comparisons more easily. I have some that are bothered by a product that is not what they would like it to be. Others have seemed to be little affected by how their work compares to others in the family. There seem to be definite temperament styles coming into play.
I do projects with my kids some of the time but not always. My daughter and I do more together, but she is getting older and more proficient herself so doesn't tend to compare as much. I think it is fun to actually do the projects with them on accasion. One thought I had - maybe ask them to give you "advice" or suggestions on how you should do something on your project.
Oh, and I'm going to move this to the craft thread - even theoretical questions, not just practical would fit well there.
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Mary M. in Denver
Our Domestic Church
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Mary G
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| Posted: Jan 30 2009 at 4:57am | IP Logged
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Charlotte, another thing you can do is craft with another family ... sometimes that evens the "playing field" a bit. Once, MaryM and I did Pysanky eggs with the kids ... and the younger ones definitely did better than I! It's humbling but lots of fun ... now anyway   .
I think it also depends on how much emphasis you put on a "perfect" product. If it's something they should know how to do you can't allow them to be slapdash or sloppy ... but if it's new, learn with them and gently guide them (and you). I think it makes a big difference if you've got kids who can read the directions on their own or have to have you explain everything.
Does that help?
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MaryG
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my website that combines my schooling, hand-knits work, writing and everything else in one spot!
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Matilda
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| Posted: Jan 30 2009 at 8:06am | IP Logged
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Mary G wrote:
| Charlotte, another thing you can do is craft with another family ... sometimes that evens the "playing field" a bit. |
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Thank you ladies! Mary G., you are right about crafting with other kids. When we were doing our Book Club and I would test the crafts out, they never compared theirs with mine since they were making theirs with everyone else.
Mary G wrote:
| I think it also depends on how much emphasis you put on a "perfect" product. If it's something they should know how to do you can't allow them to be slapdash or sloppy ... but if it's new, learn with them and gently guide them (and you). |
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I really do try very hard not to expect any kind of art to be perfect. Because of my experience and because I realize that it has only been through trial and error and lots of practice that I have been able to learn, I don't ever require perfection from them. It has more to do with the fact that they see me making things, drawing things all the time and they think that they should be able to pick up a pencil, needle, whatever and make something just like it. I know that is a very normal childish notion but I don't want it to become a factor that discourages them from even trying at all.
I think maybe I do need to allow them more opportunity to explore without joining along so that there is no basis for comparison. Or maybe I am just being a freak about nothing!
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Charlotte (Matilda)
Mom to four (11, 10, 9 & 5) an even split for now
with bookend boys and a double girl sandwich
Waltzing Matilda
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missionfamily
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CHarlotte--What about doing the same handcraft but with a different product...in other words if you're crocheting a hat, they're crocheting the matching scarf or a baby blanket, if you're drawing one saint, they're drawing another....then there is less room for the direct disappointment.
My boys don't do the handcraft issue so much, but if I do a "manly" task better than them, like splitting a log or lighting the fire, their egos are bruised for days.
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Colleen
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4Real Forums : Our Lady's Loom, Larder, and Laundry
Topic: Crafty moms: do you craft with your kids?
