Fun DIY Crafts to Do With Your Children

Being able to have a say in what they wear is a freedom that all kids love having. Let your kiddos take pride in their wardrobe by allowing them to decorate their own with fabric paint. Buy blank items and special paint, allowing their imaginations to run wild.

Some ideas might include:

• Plain white tennis shoes and fun socks
• T-shirts or sweatshirts
• A pair of jeans

If you're worried about the mess, make it an outdoor activity. Spread an old blanket outside on the grass to make cleanup as easy on you as possible.

Don't be fooled: Kids might hate doing chores, but working in the kitchen is usually something that they enjoy so much they'll beg to do it again. If you want to teach your little ones a valuable life skill while bonding with them at the same time, invite them into the kitchen to help you make dinner or whip up a dessert.

Before you know it you might have them volunteering to help you cook every night! Obviously it goes without saying that children should be supervised at all times when they're near the stove or anything sharp.

One of the most basic ways to help teach about cooking is to let your kiddos help you brown ground meat for dinner. Whether you're making tacos or sloppy joe's, it's worth teaching them what it looks like when it's raw, somewhat done and completely done.

What kid doesn't love helping to make a batch of fresh-baked cookies? This can be a teachable moment using fractions and measurements. There is more math involved in the process of baking than people realize, which can translate to your children in an interesting way that sticks with them.

Children learn best through play, so it's important that they are exposed to different textures and sensory objects as they go about their day.

One exciting way is to invest in a sensory table or even just a plain bowl or plastic tub. Let your little ones squish, squelch, poke and prod to their heart's content as they learn about different forms of sensory.

Some popular items include:

• Noodles, either cooked or raw
• Coffee grounds

Bring an empty bucket to your coffee stand in the morning and ask your barista to fill it up. You will have a bucket full of fragrant, sand-like grounds for kids to drive cars through.

• Bubbles

Dish soap and water is a classic combination, but bubble solution will do too.

Playing with your children is a joyful task, so make it as positive an experience as can be. Provide your little ones with stimulating, engaging activities that will help them learn and make memories with you.