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Kids love to do arts and crafts projects whenever they can. However, with today’s many distractions like television, computers and video games, crafting becomes less of an option when it comes to best picked activities for kids. Even if parents try to present craft activities to kids, we ourselves do not craft as often as we should so kids can not follow our example.

Inspiring kids to be creative on their own means less time spent doing unnecessary things and unproductive activities. Here are some ideas on how parents can help kids become more creative and more productive.

* Make sure your kids see you doing the crafts you love. Answer their questions, show them how to do things, and let them give it a try if possible. If they’re interested in what you’re doing, there’s a better chance that they’ll eventually give it a try on their own.

* Get them craft kits for birthdays and holidays. If you can, get a kit that makes something they are already interested in. For example, if your daughter loves jewelry, buy her a jewelry making kit.

* Keep general craft supplies around the house. You never know when your child might get a wonderful creative idea, but if you’re always prepared, he will be able to act on it when he does.

* When your child makes something for you, display it with pride. Hang her paintings on the refrigerator, keep the paperweight she gave you for your birthday front and center on your desk, and wear that macaroni necklace. If you can’t bring yourself to wear it out of the house, at least hang it from your rear view mirror.

* Drop hints. Say things like, “I really loved that painting you did for the living room. It would be nice to have another one for my office.” This will boost your child’s confidence and encourage more creativity.

* Make stuff for your kids. They will feel special because you created something just for them, and more often than not, they will reciprocate.

* When a friend or family member has a birthday coming up, suggest that your child make the recipient something instead of buying a gift. Offer guidance if he asks, but otherwise, let him come up with his own ideas.

Getting kids to be creative on their own may seem like an impossible task especially with the plethora of distractions and past times that do not encourage independent thinking. My suggestion is, limit the distractions, encourage your kids’ self confidence and provide them with the resources that they will need to create things. The more they are exposed to this concept, the more their desire to be creative will grow. Children who are creative usually carry their creativity well into adulthood.