As technology gets incorporated into our daily lives, children can use devices like smartphones, tablets, and TV for a major part of their day. However, according to research by the National Institute of Health, the excessive use of these gadgets can negatively affect the cognitive part of their brain. Therefore, parents should ensure that their children use devices as little as possible. But is that easy?

By indulging your children in other activities like arts and crafts, sports, or reading, you can minimize their screen time. Here are some easy handicrafts that your children can make.

Ice Cream Stick Numbers

If your child is still learning to count, this is the right handicraft for them! It’s super simple to make; even a child aged 3–4 can make this. Moreover, it allows your child to learn numbers in a fun way.

Start by collecting ice cream sticks. If you don’t have some at your home, you can purchase them from a store. Write numbers on one corner of the stick with a permanent marker, and carefully using glitter glue, make dots on the stick. For instance, create nine dots for the number 9. Set it out to dry, and your child can use it whenever!

Cardboard Tic-Tac-Toe

Oh, we miss those times, playing Tic-Tac-Toe with our mates during boring lectures. We’re sure you miss them too, therefore here’s a way to recall the memories with your children. Purchase small magnets from a nearby store and recycle a box in your house. Cut small crosses and circles from the cardboard, and stick magnets behind them to create fridge magnets. Draw Tic-Tac-Toe lines on your fridge, and you’re good to go!

With this, if you see your child glued to the Xbox, you can call them into the kitchen for a healthy snack and a Tic-Tac-Toe marathon.

Glass and Plate Painting

You never know, your child could be the next Vincent Van Gogh if you provide them with a canvas, some paints, and brushes. Provide them with paints, brushes, and encourage them to paint on cracked glasses or plates. You can display these as decoration pieces and show off your children’s painting skills!