Free classes at Expo 2020 Dubai: Why you need to teach your child to knit

It’s the right season for it – to learn a new craft, a new skill. When it comes to knitting, there are studies that prove the benefits for adults, but there are also some interesting advantages for the young ones. Sneha John, Clinical Psychologist at Camali Clinic Child and Adult Mental Health, explains these positives.

Increased focus: “The process of knitting is like threading a story. Kids are learning focus,” she says. The process of monitoring the loops and threading them just so requires concentration and builds it.

They’re gaining fine-motor skills, needed for writing. When they grasp the knitting needles with their little hands and manipulate them to create a weave, they build on their skills.

Improved math. “They’re seeing patterns. Involvement in knitting has been linked to better skills in math, reading and comprehension, problem-solving, critical thinking, and an overall desire to learn,” explains John. Math is also improved if the children are taking on patterns – as they must keep an eye on and count the number of stitches so they can execute it.

Building resilience: “Knitting has also been shown to help increase a child’s sense of personal responsibility, focus, creativity and persistence — all of which are traits we’d love for our children to possess,” she adds. As with any new skill, there are always hiccups and solving those issues leads to building grit.

Sense of teamwork: When kids work on a project together they feel a sense of community. “They would also exhibit better social behaviors, an increased sense of teamwork, and state that they feel calm and happy when they knit.”

Sense of calm: Repeated motions can be meditative and help create a sense of calm, especially in children who are predisposed to anxiety. “It can also help ease anxious or self-conscious children by presenting them a way they can cope with stress,” explains John.

Personal development: “Both the process and the end product result in an overwhelming sense of self-esteem and personal joy,” says John.

Want to teach your child how to knit? Check out Hammour House at Expo 2020 Dubai, which is hosting free knitting sessions – perfect to get a head start on that scarf for Christmas.