one table, three ages: crafting when your kids aren't the same size

I have twins and a baby. Crafting with them at one table taught me one thing: you don't need a different activity for every age. You need different jobs.

• 3–4 years: glue, press, decide where things go, and play. cutting straight edges if they want to try.
• 5–6 years: cut out the big shapes, follow the steps on the page, explain it to the little one (they love this).
• 7–8 years: do it all, then build a second one for the sibling. instant helper.
• grown-up: slits, split pin holes, and keeping the glue stick lid in your pocket.

Sharing one craft between two kids is how every argument starts. My e-books are licensed for your whole household, so print as many copies as you have children. Or as many as you have worms that need rescuing.

Cut the slits and make the split pin holes while they're still building a pillow fort. When they sit down, everything that needs a grown-up is already done, and you get to be the audience instead of the scissors.

The baby gets a strip of paper to scrunch, a seat at the table, and a front-row view of the worm. Babies love watching older kids make things. Or, honestly: craft during nap time.

The best craft afternoon ends with one finished thing that moves and a child who wants to do it again tomorrow. Not with three half-cut pages and someone in tears. Including you.

One craft that works for the whole table: A Worm in My Apple, free →