My 8 year old is only interested in crafts and drawing. How do I get her to be interested in anything else?

Encouraging a child to diversify their interests, especially when they are deeply engaged in specific activities like crafts and drawing, requires a thoughtful approach that respects their current passions while gently introducing new ones. Sarah Fitz-Claridge emphasizes that activities typically perceived as less productive, such as video games, can actually be educational and offer a way for children to relax and learn about culture. She suggests that children left to their own devices, without coercion, are likely to explore a variety of interests naturally 1.

You might consider integrating your child's love for crafts into other educational activities. For example:

• Introduce educational video games that involve creativity and problem-solving.
• Encourage activities that marry art with science, like building models or creating art projects that teach scientific concepts (like volcano models).
• Include your child in real-life applications of art, like cooking or gardening, which involve both creativity and functional tasks.

Most importantly, the emphasis should be on providing a variety of uncoerced options that can capture your child's interest and expand their horizons in a natural and enjoyable way.

Here are some educational games that promote creativity and problem-solving:

1. Khan Academy: Offers a variety of educational resources and games, focusing on subjects such as math, science, and computing. These activities encourage creative problem-solving and understanding of complex concepts 1.

2. Code.org: Provides interactive coding lessons and projects, particularly emphasizing student-driven, project-based learning. These activities help develop skills in problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration 2.

These resources combine educational content with engaging platforms, making learning both fun and intellectually stimulating for children.