Creative and fun ways to lure children away from the online world

In today's digital and especially busy age, it's easy to leave a child in the care of tablets and smartphones to keep them occupied for a while. While we know these technologies are useful, there are more creative and healthy ways to entertain children and support their development. In this article, we'll look at some creative activities that will not only keep children entertained, but also develop their imagination and fine motor skills. What's more, you can create with them!

Clay: endless possibilities

Plasticine is a fantastic material for developing children's creativity and fine motor skills. Shapely and available in many colours, there are really no limits to the imagination. Give children a pack of plasticine and let their creativity run wild. Shapes, animals or even educational elements such as numbers and letters, whatever comes to mind. Clay is a great way for children to exercise their fingers and learn patience and care in creating detail. You can also order a set with a spatula to make it easier for children to work with the material. Earthworms are a rewarding subject to create and even the very youngest can model them.

PROTIP: You can use a jam jar as a rolling pin and have lots of fun with the cookie cutters (for example the ones discarded from Christmas).

Crayons: a good old classic that never gets old

Crayons are a classic tool that never goes out of style. They help children in their creative development and teach them how to work with colours, but even the little ones start with them. When choosing, make sure to choose rich and bold colours so that children don't have to push the crayons around and have plenty of paper ready. In our wide range, you're sure to find the right crayons for your needs.

Try making rainbow animals or hearts with your children, using all the colours at once.

PROTIP: When the crayons start to get short, don't throw away the leftovers! Collect them in a small bag or container. You can use these leftovers later to create effects like smudges, textures, or layering colors.

Watercolours and tempera: paint and create

Watercolours and temperas are great for creating vibrant and expressive paintings. By mixing different shades, children can create really interesting colour combinations. Just expect to need some surface protection as painting with watercolours and temperas can make a mess. But the joy in the children's eyes when they manage to create a beautiful piece of art is definitely worth the clean-up. And don't forget the brushes!

PROTIP: For the littlest artists who can't hold a paintbrush yet, you can get finger paints, which are suitable for children from 2 years old, but will also entertain older ones.

Wooden Tools: Unexpected possibilities

Wooden tools like figures can be not only educational, but also fun. Try different ways to use them creatively with your children. They don't have to be just decoration, but perhaps an artistic canvas. Do you have wooden blocks, dolls or even toys at home? Take a look and start creating! Painting on wooden objects or assembling them into different shapes and structures can be a great activity that not only entertains, but also teaches children patience and precision.

PROTIP: Wooden tools are great for children at a younger age to create, and at an older age they can be used to help young artists learn to draw in the correct proportions. But painted wooden pieces can also make great decorations for a child's room. Paint them in colours that suit your interior.

Join in the fun and draw together

The best way to get children creative is to participate. Can't draw? It doesn't matter, it's with children that you can rediscover the world of colour, with no set rules about how things should look. There is no substitute for spending time with your children, so take a creative afternoon together and you will see that you are creating an experience they will remember for a long time. Try colouring books together, watch a video with creative tips or create something completely new.

PROTIP: Involve the whole family in creating together by having everyone choose a different technique. For example, one can paint with tempera, another can work with crayons and another can create with plasticine. You will see that you will have a lot of fun.

We'll have fun without a tablet

Digital technology has its place in modern life, but creative activities are irreplaceable for the development of children's imagination and motor skills. Use plasticine, crayons, watercolours, tempera paints and wooden tools to let your children experience the joy of creating and exploring the world beyond the screen. Plus, you'll enjoy spending time together in creative activities and reminiscing about your childhood.

Bonus at the end: practical tips for parents

• Organise the creative space: make sure children have enough space and materials to create. Have a variety of materials on hand so that children have a choice and can create as they are inspired.

• Regularity: make creative activities part of your regular daily schedule. For example, every afternoon after school can be a time to create, which helps children build healthy habits.

• Positive attitude: value children's effort and creativity, not just results. Praise them for their efforts and support their ideas, even if the results are not always perfect.

Enjoy creative moments with your children and help them discover a world full of colours, shapes and imagination! Even without tablets and smartphones.