Thanks to Pilot here is your chance to win one of 4 x Pop'lol 16 pack pen sets valued at $47.00 each.

'DITCH CRAFT GUILT THIS EASTER!" SAY EXPERTS

From Easter hats, to baskets and painted eggs – there's no getting away from it – Easter is craft time. For many mums this is something they dread because craft means mess which equals more work, so many mums choose to avoid it all together but are then hit with -craft guilt'.

'From my years working with mums and kids, I have seen so many mums suffer from -craft guilt' whereby they're torn with spending joyous hours crafting with their child and therefore being a -good mum' but time and mess play such a huge factor that they avoid it altogether and then guilt rears its ugly head," says clinical psychologist and parenting specialist, Renee Mill.

Renee says the rise in technology also has a part to play as it has placed a focus on -learning' rather than creative pursuits and family time.

'Self-directed, creative play is way more beneficial to a child's development. When a child plays in this way – with craft at home for example – they have the opportunities to practice and succeed in different skills that they can't do when it's not self-directed play," she adds.

According to Renee there are so many advantages if you can get your child interested in regular -crafternoons.' Key benefits include:

• They will spend less, passive time on screens.
• There's more opportunity to interact with family members.
• It helps build self-esteem – children enjoy positive feelings of mastery when they make something.
• Completing these tasks result in a release of dopamine, that enhances their mood.
• It's great for a child's learning development to see where things come from and how they come together, giving them greater problem-solving abilities.
• Crafting involves skills like choosing, planning, organising and completing the task – all which enhance executive functioning.
• It is a past-time that involves and enhances skills like using initiative and being proactive, and helps them be more well-rounded.
• It can help with mindfulness, increase relaxation and decrease anxiety in children.

'There are many kids who are not good at school work or sitting still but show competencies in the craft arena," says Renee. 'Remember though that the focus on crafts should be around the journey, the creation and exploration, and not the end product."

Mr John Johnston, Marketing Manager for Pilot Pen Australia said that ironically, a -craft resurgence' is currently taking place online, with many -Instamums' offering some great tips and advice to make craft easy and accessible for all.

'Many -crafty Instamums' are showing that craft doesn't have to be that difficult - a few colourful pens, some paper or cardboard, a bit of imagination and you can happily ditch the craft guilt once and for all!" he said.

Teacher and Instagram craft guru and blogger at Oh Creative Day; Shannon Wong-Nizic says it gives her a chance to slow down and connect with her children.

'Crafting forces me to be present and the conversations that arise are priceless. I like to think that busy hands lead to loose lips," she says. 'When kids are busy making and creating, they tend to be less guarded and are happy to chat about anything and everything."

'Putting my teacher hat on, craft is also great as it allows children to explore materials, practise fine motor skills and develop vocabulary," adds Shannon.

EASY APPROACHES TO CRAFT

So are you ready to ditch the guilt and engage in some fun craft activities Easter? Here are Shannon's tips for the hesitant crafty parent:

• Stick within your comfort zone – There is no point setting up craft activities if it's going to stress you out and create more work for you. So if glitter is outside your comfort zone, don't use it.
• Relax and follow your child's lead - Craft doesn't need to be a grand, messy affair. Adults should simply present the materials and leave the rest up to the kids. See what they do, let go of expectations and control (to some degree) because it's all about process not product. And if things are starting to stress you out, start humming Let It Go.
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• No right or wrong way to create – Suspend judgement and control the urge to jump in. An art and craft session can also go for longer than anticipated and have wonderfully unexpected results. Creating alongside your child is also recommended so get your hands dirty!
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• Think about your set up - Using a plastic tray gives your child a defined space to work within; it's also easy to remove from the work space when things need to be cleaned. Keeping loose parts contained also minimises clean-up time - old egg cartons or plastic containers work well.
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• Be prepared – Try and put out the materials needed to begin and then replenish as needed. It's also a good idea to have water and cleaning rags at the art table so that cleaning of children doesn't require a change of location.
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• Dress for mess! – This includes the furniture, so always put down drop sheets and wear art smocks.
• Rethink location – Craft doesn't have to happen inside at a table. Taking your creative experiences into different spaces can also minimise stress, clean-up and allow for an enjoyable time for you and your little artists. Painting in the bath is another way to save time, or take your art to the park for something different.
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• Tool Kit – Choose colouring pens and pencils that are easy to use with lots of colour. The Pop'lol range from Pilot Pen is excellent for craft activities as they have vibrant gel ink that glides effortlessly across the page.  They're also easy for little hands to control and come in a selection of 30 colours in vivid bolds, metallics and pastels.

Pop'lol is available from Officeworks and selected newsagents, price $2.80ea. For some easy and inspirational Easter craft templates visit: www.pilotpen.com.au.

Shannon Wong-Nizic is a teacher, mother and Sydney craft blogger at Oh Creative Day with almost 20,000 followers on social media. Follow her craft adventures on Instagram here.

Renee Mill is a Sydney-based clinical psychologist who specialises in parenting and anxiety. She is also the author of books Parenting Without Anger and Anxiety Free, Drug Free. For more information visit: www.reneemill.com or http://anxietysolutionscbt.com/renee-mill/.