A Simple Fall Craft

On a blustery fall morning, I found myself in the familiar chaos of grumpy, quarreling kids. My usual go-to solution, getting outside, seemed like an impossible feat as no one was willing to budge. But in a moment of desperation, I came up with a quick craft idea that not only got them outdoors but also turned the day around. I am sharing this easy activity with you so you can keep it in your “mom hack” back pocket for when you need a few peaceful minutes and a creative outlet for your little ones.

The Supplies You'll Need:

• A cardboard box (we used a pizza box from the night before—you can even leave the grease stains for authenticity!).

• Leaves from outside (more on this in a second).

• Child-safe glue.

• Scissors.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. the Cardboard

Begin by cutting the cardboard into any fun fall shape—pumpkins work perfectly for this season. The pizza box we used was just sturdy enough, and since I was improvising, it worked great for this craft.

2. Send Them Outside to Collect Leaves

Here's the trick to prolong the fun and burn off some of that restless energy—tell the kids to go outside and gather leaves. Keep them out as long as you can, encouraging them to find different shapes, sizes, and colors for variety. Bonus points if they make it a game or competition!

3. Create and Decorate

Hand your kids the pumpkin cardboard cutouts, glue, and their carefully collected leaves. My kids decided to arrange their leaves into the shape of their first initials, but you can encourage them to create any design they like.

4. Take a Moment for Yourself

While the kids are happily working on their masterpiece, grab your favorite beverage and take a moment to breathe. It worked wonders for me on that morning—a hot cup of coffee and 30 minutes of calm felt like a true gift.

Why This Craft Works:

This simple activity engages kids in multiple ways. First, the step of gathering leaves gets them outdoors and helps to release pent-up energy. The creative process of gluing and designing keeps their hands and minds busy while fostering their artistic expression. And perhaps most importantly, it gives you, the parent, a few precious moments to reset and recharge.

A Lesson in Flexibility and Creativity:

Part of the magic of this craft is its simplicity and flexibility. You don’t need fancy supplies or perfect materials—just use what you have around the house. The process is what matters, not the perfection of the result. And as a bonus, your kids get a fun, seasonal decoration they can proudly display!

The next time you’re stuck in a jam with tired, fighting kiddos, give this craft a try. It’s a great reminder that even small, impromptu ideas can create meaningful moments and turn a rough day around.