Mum! I'm bored!

Don't be scared – it’s only craft!

One of the mums in our toddler group piped up one morning, ‘Sandie, why don't you write all your ideas down in a book? I'd buy it.’ This was a challenge I couldn’t resist, so I set myself the task of gathering together the different things I’d done during 18 years or so of teaching art. Mum! I'm Bored! was the result. As a mother I'd heard this phrase so many times and it just stuck as the title of the book.

Over the last 4 years Mum! I'm Bored! has proved to be a really valuable resource for toddler groups, playgroups, primary school teachers and Sunday school teachers, parents, carers, childminders, grandparents and aunts and uncles. It has over 40 seasonal art activities with easy-to-use layout, colour photos, clear instructions and resource lists mean that anyone can use it – you don’t have to be an art expert.

Many playgroups can be a bit scared of doing art with the children; I frequently hear comments such as 'Help, its paint!' or 'What if it gets out of control?' or 'I don’t do craft, I can't think of the ideas.' However the benefits to children far outweigh the mess and stress. Art and craft promotes creativity, exploration and experience of using materials, and learning about colour, shape and texture. It also develops children’s confidence, social skills and self-expression.

When parents and children are working together it encourages them to communicate effectively with each other, and builds the relationship. I've seen many parents really grow in confidence whilst interacting with their child, and many children thrive at doing something creative with their parent.

My advice to playgroup leaders? Don’t be scared of art and craft – embrace it.

To order Mum! I'm Bored! please email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or ring (029) 2081 0800.

Last Updated 18 November 2011