Crafting for your child

There are so many things that motivate me to create. Over the years it might have been because of a certain material, or a pattern that I just loved, or the thought that a loved one might appreciate or need something. There was a joy that came from creating... a certain centering that took place.

Nothing would have prepared me for the way that my urge to create for my own child would move and change me the way that it has done. There is a freedom. Before, I was always very cautious of trying new things. It would take me years of researching, reading, watching youtube videos before actually taking a first step into making something. Now, when I think Liam needs something, ::snap:: I am quick to jump in. I don't know how to do something? I'll learn it on youtube, or if there isn't anything that I like, then I'll wing it (did I just type that?!) Creating something for Liam that he might need like pants, or a blanket to learn his letters with, or even something as small as counter objects to manipulate and work on that small pincher grasp. Mama is on it!

And that is exactly what my creating time has been devoted to these past two days: little crochet raspberries to practice counting and pinching. I couldn't find a pattern for them over the internet so I just made something up. Originally I was going for apples, but the crochet texture just screams raspberries to me. So raspberries they will be!

I was speaking with a friend about how at Liam's age, her son was working with small fuzzy pompoms and slipping them through slots. A fine motor skill activity. I was really inspired to start working with Liam with small manipulatives, but I didn't want to buy those fuzzy pompoms. For one, our crafting budget right now (after Liam's birthday) is a bit depleted, and also, I don't think I would use those fuzzy pompoms for our crafting right now. So out came the yarn and a bit of leftover polyfil, and out came ten of these little raspberries.

Liam has been successfully dumping them out and then putting them back. A skill that is new for him. Not just tearing down or emptying anymore, but building up and filling again. How interesting that concept is. How our first nature is to destroy - but through patience and perseverance we learn to build up. We learn to put into order. So much. This little one is teaching me so much. And this journey is so much more beautiful and inspiring because of him.

From play dough to pants to yes small manipulates in the shape of raspberries... oh how I would love to make everything for you.