Research shows us that getting creative involves so many disciplines and can be so beneficial to our mental and physical health. These disciplines include art, music, writing, sports, card and board games, cooking, gardening, etc., in fact so many of our hobbies and interests. Most of all creativity allows us to step away from our stressful and ever increasing busy lives for a short time. It allows us to lose ourselves in our chosen activity and become mindful of what we are doing in just that moment. It is no different for children.

How Using Creativity And Connection Together Can Help Our Child.

Remember when we use connection and creativity together we can build memories and teach valuable life skills. Plus we help our child learn so many other valuable skills. These can include:

1. Creating a healthy sense of secure attachment.
2. Promote healthy mental and emotional development.
3. We teach them how to communicateeffectively and use self-expression.
4. They can learn good problem solving and critical thinking skills which will translate beyond what they are doing.
5. They learn how to relax, play, daydream, have some fun and be more mindfully present.

Using Creativity Over Christmas With Your Children.

Christmas holidays can be the ideal time to plan some creative ideas to try out with your child. Don’t forget that creativity doesn’t just involved arts and craft, so don’t worry if you’re not arty in anyway. There are plenty of ideas you can use to connect and get creativity with your child. Plus remember it’s building that connection with them that is the main factor here not the outcome of your creative endeavours.

Use Cooking To Connect With Them.

Christmas is the ideal time to try some cooking and baking with your child. Cooking and baking are not only a great way to connect with our child but also we are teaching them life skills. They also learn how to be more focused, improves their fine motor skills, math, reading and science skills. Plus it promotes healthy eating. You can create many positive memories for them also. So dust off that old recipe book or check out some children’s cookbooks in your local library or online.

Use Some Favourite Music.

Again another one you can incorporate around Christmas time. Yes, I know, I can hear some of you going “No way! I can’t sing.” But you are not suddenly singing in front of other adults. It’s just you and your child. It’s all about having some fun and laughing along with them, even if they are laughing at you. You can use the radio while you do chores or sing along to their favourite songs. You can do it while traveling in your car. Get those Disney soundtracks out and have some fun. Try musical chairs or musical hide and seek. If you are not up for singing then dance around the room together can be just as much fun.

The Obvious One To Use Is Art.

Not all of us feel we are artists. But park those perfectionist thoughts or memories of the art teacher. Art is subjective and whatever we create is okay here. You can try finger painting, clay, photography, collages, string, pasta, colouring books, etc. Check out YouTube for some ideas. Don’t be afraid to try a number of things until you find what suits you and your child. You’ll also find that it gets all of you out of your routine and gets communication flowing.

Get Out In Nature.

I know it’s a lot colder these days but Christmas can feel so stressful and getting outside for a simple walk will help everyone. Try some nature walks. You don’t have to be all knowing about nature either. You can learn as your child learns. So get some simple children’s books on tress, birds, etc., and use these on your nature walk together. Or you could try a scavenger hunt looking for a variety of items, even around the garden.

Don’t Forget To Allow Them Downtime Too.

Just let them sit and allow their minds to wander. So many brilliant ideas have come from people who daydream. Visualization is a form of daydreaming. You can join in too and it’s great for some quiet time. You can add music, a scented candle or a book to get lost in as well. There’s no harm in getting lost in some positive daydreams. In fact I’d say it’s vital.

Plus don’t forget the family board game nights too. Play some quiet games like hangman, noughts and crosses or some more competitive ones such as monopoly or bingo.

Reach Out For Support.

Remember you are allowed to ask for support. No one is an island. In fact I would strongly advice you make sure you create a positive support system before you start to make any changes in your life. One part of that positive support system is working a therapist. Please reach out to a local therapist if you need to.

My Workbooks

I offer a variety of tips and discuss a range of topics in my workbooks The Building Blocks Of Self-Care, Moving Towards Self-forgiveness, The Little Book Of Reflection And Gratitude and Building Acceptance Into Your Life. You can purchase them on Amazon or here.