The school term is back in full swing, and many of us are looking for meaningful ways to channel our kids' energy once they're home.

Children are naturally full of energy and that’s something to be celebrated! Rather than trying to suppress it, we can guide this energy in positive, meaningful directions. One simple and effective way is to involve them in our daily household chores. Yes, it may take longer to complete tasks, but it’s worth the effort. You’ll be surprised how thoughtfully and carefully children can take on responsibility sometimes even with more attention to detail than us! Over time, we start noticing subtle shifts in their behaviour, especially when it comes to owning tasks and being accountable.

Patience: A Missing Virtue

Today, one of the most noticeable gaps in children’s emotional development is patience. Many children receive what they want even before they ask, leading to an expectation of instant gratification. But let’s be honest we’re also part of the problem. As adults, we often rush through tasks and expect children to do the same: stay calm, sit still, obey instructions instantly, adapt easily. But is that realistic?

Children are meant to be active, messy, noisy, and curious. That’s how they explore the world. Instead of trying to suppress their natural impulses with distractions or screen time, let’s find age-appropriate ways to help them grow. Let them explore. Let them lead. And most importantly be there with them.

Engaging Their Energy: Art & Craft for 2-Year-Olds

Art and craft activities are a wonderful way to channel a child’s energy into something joyful and developmental. These simple, sensory-rich activities not only promote creativity and imagination but also support important skills like hand-eye coordination and motor development. Best of all, children learn best when they play—and create!

Here are a few easy, age-appropriate art and craft ideas perfect for two-year-olds:

1. Leaf Painting & Nature Prints

You’ll need:

• Leaves and flowers (collected during outdoor play)
• Art roll or paper
• Dabble finger paints

What to do:
Step outside with your child and collect leaves and flowers of different shapes and textures. Press them between papers under a heavy book or bed for 24 hours to create natural prints. You can also dip the leaves in Dabble paints and press them onto paper for stunning textures.

2. Paper Plate Emotion Masks

You’ll need:

• Paper plates
• Dabble finger paints
• A stick or straw

What to do:
Let your child paint a paper plate freely. Cut two eye holes and attach a stick to turn it into a mask. Try making different emotion masks happy, sad, angry, surprised and play a matching game. Express an emotion and let your child pick the right face!

Or let your child imagine and create their own characters. A red dot becomes “Mama’s bindi,” a painted moustache becomes “Dada’s face.” Let their imagination lead the way.

3. Handprint Art

You’ll need:

• Art roll or thick paper
• Dabble finger paints

What to do:
Paint your child’s palm and take handprints in different colours. Label each with the date. You can cut out the prints and make a wreath, wall hanging, or memory book. These prints become treasured reminders of how fast those tiny hands grow!

4. Real Flower Bouquet Craft

You’ll need:

• Cardboard or thick paper
• Dabble finger paints
• Fresh small flowers and leaves

What to do:
Draw or paint a vase on paper. Poke small holes in the top. Let your child gather fresh flowers or leaves and insert them into the holes—ta-da, a beautiful real flower bouquet!

This activity boosts fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and focus—all while connecting with nature.

5. Make the Earth with Paper Dough

You’ll need:

• Old newspapers
• Water
• Dabble chunky glue
• Dabble finger paints

What to do:
Tear old newspapers into small pieces and soak them. Blend the mixture or knead it by hand with glue to make dough. Divide it into small balls and mix in blue and green paints. Roll into balls to resemble planet Earth. Let them dry in sunlight or bake for a firmer finish.

6. Sand Art

You’ll need:

• Art roll or thick paper
• Dabble chunky glue
• Sand

What to do:
Write a letter or number using glue. Help your child sprinkle sand over it. Wait a few seconds, then gently shake off the excess. Watch as the shape appears magically!

This simple activity introduces letters in a hands-on, engaging way that delights toddlers.

Final Thoughts

These easy, playful art activities are more than just fun they lay the foundation for emotional, physical, and cognitive development. When introduced early, they encourage kids to observe, explore, and express themselves while learning about the world around them.

So, let’s embrace their energy. Let them make a mess. Let them lead the way because in the world of a child, play is learning, and every creation is a milestone.