Fitness Through DIY Projects: Building Strength And Coordination While Making Things

Introduction

Few joys are greater in life than creating something, whether a baby or a work of art. When you do something yourself (aka DIY) it takes time, effort, belief, and confidence to arrive at the end result. It also creates a growth mindset in kids as they learn how to work hard at something without expecting an immediate result or reward.

DIY projects also foster creativity in children and give them a refreshing perspective on the world. After all, there are talented kids who look at recycled items and see art supplies and potential in them. But the best thing about engaging in such crafts and projects is the sincere dedication and passion required to achieve the desired result.

Be it building a treehouse with your kid or helping them set up a pottery table, DIY projects require hard work and physical activity. While it may be surprising to many, unless the nature of the project requires no movement specifically, all DIY projects need active participation and effort.

As a result, it is ideal to beat the current wave of sedentary life by combining fitness with DIY projects to ensure your child’s mind and body both remain healthy. Here’s a quick guide to building strength and coordination in kids while they engage in DIY projects.

DIY Projects And Fitness - Activities To Try

Play-Doh And Pottery

It is ideal to let kids play around with textures and clay from a young age to encourage their artistic instincts. If they become adept at making figurines and engaging with Play-Doh, then they can move on to pottery and sculpting. These DIY crafts involve kneading clay, shaping it with their hands, lifting heavy equipment, and improving upper body dexterity.

Building A Treehouse

Building a treehouse with your kid is an excellent activity for them as it engages their body and mind while boosting their stamina and resilience. From chopping wood to letting them carry smaller logs to building the entire structure together, over the span of a few days, it is a great short-term DIY project for kids and parents alike.

Scavenger Hunt Art Competition

This competition requires a little creativity on your part to sort your kids out for a full day of fun, exploration, and artmaking. Hide art supplies throughout the house and garden. Provide kids with a map with clues to every hiding spot. Kids need to solve the map, find every art supply and race to the living room to start painting the final piece. Whoever solves the map and finishes their drawing first wins the competition.

Painting The Room

If your older kids have an artistic flair and your walls are in need of a coat of paint, then involve them in painting the house. Wear appropriate attire and gear while scraping the walls, sanding them, putting a white base, and choosing colors to paint. If your kid feels confident and comfortable enough, let them draw something on the wall to commemorate their artistic contribution and add a final touch to the room.

Pick And Recycle

This is a fun activity that helps clear the house or the neighborhood while keeping your kids active and healthy. All your kids need to do is go out and pick any recyclable or non-biodegradable item they need from the ones that litter the street within a time span. Encourage them to run around and do so. Once their art supplies are gathered, encourage them to create their masterpieces outdoors in nature. Everyone wins at this game, in art and fitness.

Theme Gardening

Theme gardening is a wonderful way of introducing your kids to taking care of plants and being responsible for ‘their area’ in the garden. Let kids choose themes they prefer for their garden area. Be it fairyland or Candyland, ensure your kids take care of their plants daily by watering and nurturing them. Help them add swings or any shelter they wish to build to make their garden more beautiful and sustainable.

Tips On Building Strength And Coordination While Making Things

• Opt for age-appropriate activities.
• Ask your kids for help with any activity. It will make them feel confident and capable.
• Unless something has become a tradition, avoid repeating activities very often. Switch them up to keep kids hooked.
• Encourage kids to try to solve problems first and not lag behind. Once they get moving, all their fatigue and stress will vanish.

Conclusion

DIY projects are highly beneficial for kids, both young and old, as they develop muscle strength and resilience in them. Engaging in DIY projects also improves balance and coordination in kids, while keeping them physically active. So do not delay giving this guide a try and start chalking up a brand-new DIY project to enhance family fitness and bonding today.