How to keep kids engaged, strengthen bonds & create memories in pandemic times

Now is the perfect time to get your kids and yourself hooked on to a hobby that allows them creative and personal expression, urges Parveen Kumarr Sahni, Senior Vice President, Sewing Machines, Usha International.

Kids and screens – they seem to be an extension of each other these days. Not just with the pandemic-enforced online classes. Look around, and you will notice many little – and not so little – ones who sit/ wander around in a zombie like state, their eyes glued to a mobile screen, not a care about what’s happening in the world around them.

Medical professionals all over the world have been raising this issue of screen addiction amongst the younger generation of today and are really concerned. Add to that ‘The Social Dilemma’ – a much talked about film that really hits home the ills of social media and online platforms, and by the very people who created them. So, how can we help our young ones and ourselves? We understand that with nuclear families and with both parents working, and then grandparents not being able to keep pace with the energy of grandchildren, it seems to be the easiest way to keep a child busy, but before you know it, the mobile has become a lifeline they are not willing to let go off at any cost. This problem has been exacerbated with educational institutes closed and kids being restricted within their homes.

There is one super solution to get them off the screen successfully. That is to get them involved in a new fun and creative hobby. A hobby that will be their friend for life and, if you are fortunate, could just well become the passion that sees them through the curveballs that life throws at them. If you haven’t guessed it yet, we are talking about sewing here.

For most of us, memories of sewing machines comprise happy scenes where we as kids would stare on in amazement as our mothers/ grandmothers deftly sewed cushion covers or tables covers or repaired clothes where the stich had come undone, mesmerised by the needle hopping up and down, making the cloth dance under it. Sewing and sewing machines have come a long way since…today, you have nifty portable machines that are technologically advanced and fully feature loaded that even kids as young as 8 and 9 years can work on (initially under supervision, of course). They work like a dream and from our experience, once kids realise what fun it is and how it lends itself beautifully to creative expression, they are hooked to learning and creating and letting their imagination run riot, making all sorts of stuff that makes your heart burst with pride.

So, how exactly does sewing work its spell on kids?

A critical aspect here is getting a sewing machine that’s ‘just right’ for your tiny tot. Take them to a showroom, or if it’s a surprise for them, you go and experience the various models available so you know which one works best for them. This can also be done online given that most of us prefer restricted outside movements. We’d recommend choosing a simple automatic machine with a few inbuilt decorative stitches and other features that add creativity to any project. (Recommended models include Barbie, Allure, Allure Delux, Wonder Stitch and Wonder Stitch Plus). There are a lot of foot accessories that are available too, that add to your creativity and help you do things like smocking, making ruffles, gathers, and so much more – allowing you to experiment with your creativity.

A happy teacher is the best gift to give your child, so find one who is passionate about the craft and has the patience to let the kids learn from their own mistakes, guiding and nudging them gently towards the right way to sew. However, should you prefer keeping social isolation, you can be that fun teacher and infuse laughter and bonhomie and find projects that interest and match the caliber of your child, so that the child feels encouraged and triumphant with little victories. Once the child has reached a certain level of proficiency, then there are some amazing tutorials online that they themselves can explore and experiment with on their own.

In order to inculcate a valuable lesson in your kid, be appreciative of small victories – celebrate the learning, celebrate the creativity and soon your child will develop wings and soar. Find simple and happy projects that you know your children will enjoy doing and help them source the material to make it happen, encourage them to personalise what they make.

How can you make them feel they are truly being appreciated? Do a group project with each of you creating something that will be the pride of your room. Enjoy the process and the time spent together, laugh, have fun. And make sure you display the final result at a prominent place for all to appreciate.

It may not have been simple to begin with, but is well worth it. You have now successfully ensured your child will never be ‘bored’ in life. And your child is now part of a budding community of artistes to find expression using their sewing machines.

My introduction into the world of sewing has been a rather recent phenomenon…I was keen on learning and was fortunate enough to have an expert come and teach me. My daughter soon joined me, curious about what “Papa was learning” and we become sewing buddies very quickly – bickering over what to make next and which stitch looked the best where. In fact, my wife, who never really was into sewing, has now shown keenness to join us as she sees our DIY projects and realises the potential it has to keep her creatively satiated, besides, of course, bonding as a family. As for me, I am very happy that this is one hobby that will strengthen the father-daughter bond, building memories which we will both always cherish.

So, what’s stopping you from getting started on acquiring a new skill? This festive season, buy a sewing machine and spread fun and laughter in the home as you create not just clothes or DIY projects, but also happy memories you will treasure forever!