Toddler Times
Arts and Crafts for Toddlers: Simple is Okay
It’s easy to get caught up in the desire to try all the different cool children’s arts and crafts there are out there. And there are A LOT. Just look on Pinterest. Or FamilyFun. Or the creative blogs in your reader.
Parents of our generation are inundated as never before with ideas and images on the internet, blogs, magazines, and books. So with all the arts and crafts ideas we have at our fingertips, why stick to the simple ones?
Here are a few reasons:
1. It’s all new to your toddler. Collage with paper shapes and glue? New and engaging.
2. You’re more likely to have the materials on hand for a simple art project.
3. A simple art project is easier and quicker to set up and facilitate so you’re more likely to do it.
5. A toddler who is able to explore art and art materials regularly is happily learning about her world.
I’m all for fun, new (and sometimes complicated) arts and crafts on occasion. I write an art blog and am a sucker for all those ideas out there. But at the same time I know that my toddler is perfectly happy with the simple activities: simple collage, simple painting, simple drawing, and simply playing with playdough.
Let’s remember that simple is okay.
Read more of Jean’s writing at The Artful Parent.
And don’t miss a post! Follow Jean on Twitter and Facebook!
Go Back To Toddler Times
3 Comments
Rosstwinmom commented on Aug 05 11 at 3:02 amAmen! My boys just love color and creating. They are happy to just do their own thing.
Jessie commented on Aug 05 11 at 9:17 amOh yes! And I find the more simple the art opportunity, the longer they concentrate.
Tia commented on Aug 12 11 at 2:37 amOne thing I learned is at this age it’s about the ‘process’ and not the ‘product’. It’s about them having the experience of using the crafts, colors, glue, etc., than about having to make something specific.
Add your take:
Note: Babble is a supportive, diverse community. We encourage a range of opinions,
but any unduly hostile comments will be removed.
Comments are delayed up to 15 minutes
Mary L Weimer 
Beth Anne Ballance 
Ilana Wiles 
Natalie Holbrook 
Monica Bielanko 
Emily McClements 
Danielle Elwood 
Naomi Odes Aytur 
The Walt Disney Company supports Babble as a platform dedicated to honest, engaged, informed, intelligent and open conversation about parenting. However, the opinions expressed on this site are those of individual parents/writers and do not reflect the views of Disney. In addition, content provided on this site is for entertainment or informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or safety advice.
3