This entry isn't so much a great kid's craft idea as it is a story. It's about me and the lesson that I learned from my daughter.
The other day Lily and I did some relief painting and it really pointed out a common mistake I make as a parent: focusing more on the outcome than the process.
Lily and I taped off a few pieces of construction paper. Then she painted right over them with finger paint. After the paint dries you remove the tape and it makes a cool relief painting. She went to take a nap while they dried. After she was asleep I started cleaning up and almost threw away the pictures because they were messy and I knew she wouldn't remember them after she woke up. On my way to the garbage I walked by my wedding pictures and smiled.
It was then that I realized a point I'd been missing: the importance of me to validating her work no matter what it looks like. How many pictures of your wedding do you have around the house? Now ask yourself, "Why do I have those displayed?" Because you're PROUD of them! It's your VERY BEST! You see those pictures around the house and it puts a smile on your face, doesn't it? Our kiddos artwork may not be what we would be proud of if it were ours, but it is the VERY BEST that they can do. Put a smile on their face by displaying it proudly!
I got out some 8x10 picture frames (from the 99cent store) and cut the construction paper to that size. Then I put her art in them and hung the frames proudly in the living room.
She woke up from her nap and was absolutely thrilled to see her masterpieces hanging in frames. "Just like your pictures, Mommy!" Thanks again, Lily, for reminding Mommy of what is really important in life. <3
Materials
Construction Paper
Masking tape
Finger paint
