essay: crafting (and reading) with boys
About the Author: Laura is the resourceful mother of 4 children. She enjoys finding creative ways to motivate her family to do things they should do. If you would like to learn more about her ideas and how she thrives in a house full of boys please visit her website.
As a mother of 4 boys- I was happy to see this months submission request highlighting boys and men. I once naively thought, since I didn’t have daughters, that I would miss out on hours of crafting with my children. Boy was I wrong! I’d like to share some lessons/tips I’ve learned while crafting with my sons.
First I have to admit, my boys like to craft differently than me. And I have had to adjust my expectations accordingly in order to be able to craft together and enjoy our time.
For example while I like to keep my crayons & markers organized and neat, my boys are quick to break their crayons and rip off the wrappers. At first I protested, “These are NEW crayons!” but I was answered with blank stares. Then as I watched them manipulate and crunch the crayons in their papers to get interesting textures and shading I learned something from my boys.
Collages are another satisfying project, combining ripping apart magazines and catalogs to make relevant themed posters for their bedroom walls.
I also enjoy using crafts to extend what they are learning and reading. While my boys were reading the ‘Spiderwick’ series we made Bogart houses out of milk cartons with their book club. We’ve created cardboard stand-ups of rabbits and other animals so they could practice their bow & arrow skills like the character Brian in the story ‘Hatchet’. We just finished reading ‘Lunch Money’ and in the story they explain how to create and bind your own comic book! How cool is that?
I am so glad I‘ve been persistent in crafting with my boys. I have learned so much by their fearless approach to creating. Their interests have also helped me try new projects- I can’t wait to finish our comic books!
February 20th, 2009 at 7:54 am
Laura, I agree that boys approach crafting differently. I am the mom of two very creative boys, and while they love to dig in to my supplies, they are much more likely to make due with found objects. As a result, I’ve started to save things that I never would have before. They think outside the box. It’s taught me to approach my projects differently.
February 20th, 2009 at 10:49 am
This is so perfect for me to read right now as just this month we have had 3 boys sign up for our as yet girl only classes at Future Craft Collective. Different energy for sure. Different expectations need to be mine before class. Hold the vision lightly! I will try, I will try. THanks for the encouragement.
Bernadette
Mother of four also but 2+2
February 20th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
It’s a shame that societal expectations are such that you ever thought your boys wouldn’t be into crafts by virtue of their gender! My son has always been much more interested in art/ crafts than my daughter. Glad you didn’t let preconceived notions stop you!
February 21st, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Love this post! I may have a girl, but she is definitely different, and I’ve learned to allow for lots of flexibility in crafting with a toddler – letting her set the trend a lot.