Here’s How with Aileen Avikova, CEO of Enchanted Fairies Portrait Studio
Using the myriad smart devices we have today is fun, but it takes a toll on all of us — including our children. Whether we have very young kids who don’t understand the big fake world behind your iPhone screen or middle schoolers who are trying to get famous on TikTok, the effects of social media and unlimited news headlines can have a negative impact if not used mindfully.
To combat this, March 14th is National Children’s Craft Day! Aileen Avikova of Enchanted Fairies shares with us the best ways to get crafty with your children, or bring out the inner child.
Why You Should Do Arts and Crafts with Your Kids
We have beautiful tech tools in our modern era, but as a society, we are steadily learning that we need to use restraint and not let them take over.
“Put down the devices on a regular basis,” said Avikova. “Be creative with your children. Using cell phones and television in front of your kids all the time gives the impression that the device matters to you more than they do. Instead, play with them the old school way. Let their creativity blossom, spark their imagination, explore new worlds in three dimensions, not two. Get back to fun, playful basics with your kids.”
Try Themed Weeks
If you find it hard to drag yourself away from work and house chores, consider scheduling a theme per month or week with projects that surround that theme. For your boys it could be robots, for your daughters it could be princesses and fairies — or the reverse if that is what your child likes.
“By choosing a theme, you can limit your options and reduce overwhelm,” said Avikova. “In fact when we create, setting limits for ourselves is one of the oldest tricks in the book. Your brain flourishes when it has just enough boundaries for it to not kick into overdrive, making you more confused than creative. It’s the same for kids. They can experience overwhelm just like we do, because playing is their occupation.”
Don’t Forget Your Inner Child
Whether you have children or not, it is important to nurture your inner child too. Think back to when you were young. Did you like coloring or playing dress up? Maybe you played ‘school’ or some other kind of make believe. Use that as inspiration for ways to play with your child.
“There are so many creative ways for you to relax either alone or with your children — or with wine and friends!” said Avikova. “Try an adult coloring book while your kids color in theirs, paint some abstract shapes with watercolors, or make bracelets with your besties. The possibilities are endless and it is important to nurture that side of our brains no matter our age.”
Avikova herself is a photographer and loves to create magical worlds for children and young-at-hearts in her magical photography studios across the country. Enchanted Fairies is a place to feel like an empowered prince or princess, a crucial escape for child development.
About Aileen Avikova
Aileen Avikova is a mother, wife, and Co-founder of Enchanted Fairies, a luxury fine art portrait studio that provides a magical, immersive experience for children of all ages. They have donated over $1 million dollars to children’s charities nationwide. To learn more about the Enchanted Fairies experience, visit https://enchanted-fairies.com/