Today’s soft toy is far removed from the ones back in the past. Some are very sophisticated indeed and the fillings and fabrics used are definitely 21st century. Hypo-allergenic, washable, ‘green’ etc., you name it and there is bound to be a soft toy made in exactly what you want. Take the bean-bag style of soft toy. Literally a bag made in any shape, e.g. lion, snowman, rabbit, frog etc., that kids and adults alike like to scrunch around in their fingers. Then there are the wipe clean soft toys made out of vinyl fabrics that are great for smaller children who tend to dribble a bit or the babies who are teething and put just about everything in their mouths.

Some of the traditional style soft toys, like rag dolls for instance, have been brought up to date with removable clothes. The body of the doll can be anything from a traditional girl rag doll to a floppy eared dog. All the clothes have different fastenings allowing the child to learn while it plays. Of course there will always be new innovations and they blast onto the TV screens every year from about July onwards – who said Christmas comes around earlier every year? – and children and parents alike are inundated with choice. But think twice about what you want your child to play with.

With traditional toys, especially soft toys, you know that your child will be tempted to use its imagination and make up story lines. The toy will bring comfort if the child is worried about something. It can be cuddled in bed giving the child a sense of security, and if it’s loved enough the toy can become part of the family being passed down from generation to generation with a myriad of stories about fond memories. On the other hand, of course, you could opt for techno toys that everyone seems to be crazy about. Unfortunately, most of the computer style games tend to have an element of violence about them. They also encourage a kind of self imposed exile on the child because they can’t talk while they are concentrating on killing the next enemy.

The techno toy is here to stay, obviously, but make a little room for the traditional toy so the child can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Once the basics of the art is mastered, whether it be crocheting, knitting, sewing, or any type of needlework it is very relaxing, even to the youngsters. These hobbies will always be there for them and help them to relax in any troubled situation.

It can be a great asset for when the child becomes a teen as this is usually a time when there are many differences between the parent and the child. Any kind of needlework which you share can help to eliminate differences, tensions, and arguments, and bring you closer together.

Next it will keep them from watching so much television or playing video games. It could also save you money on snacks, as that usually goes hand in hand with television. This will result in more active and healthier children, as junk food causes obesity, and other health problems, and deprives the youngsters of energy. Plus too much television is bad for the eyes and mind! Needlework on the other hand is good for the mind as it keeps the mind busy.

Engaging children in needlework is a great way to keep them from being bored and occupy them for hours! It’s very cheap too, especially when comparing it to other activities which they may enjoy. Young children or teens won’t be able to work as fast and therefore one project will keep them busy for a while, thus saving you money.

It’s a safe activity which will keep them off the street and at home, and they can always invite their friends over to join them!

They can put together a crochet, knitting, embroidery or sewing club and get together once a week and either make stuff for themselves or donate to charity.

Whatever they choose to do with the finished items it will always give them a sense of accomplishment whenever a project is finished.

And whatever type of needlework you teach them will be with them forever. Perhaps they will learn to love it so much that they one day will make a living with it.