Beyond Crayons 🖍️ and Coloring Pages: Why Mandala Magic Might Be Your Next Parenting Hack 🎨

Listen up, fellow parents. We all know the drill: "Kita boringlah Ibu!" 😴 It's the battle cry of every kid ever, and frankly, sometimes it feels like there's nothing left to do after you've built the hundredth pillow fort and wrestled the tablet or PS away for the tenth time. 📱🎮 

Enter the mandala. 🌀 Now, before you glaze over thinking "coloring book – been there, done that," hear me out 🙄. Mandalas are more than just pretty patterns. These circular designs have roots in ancient spiritual traditions, and there's something strangely calming about filling them in.

Here's my take: I recently discovered that mandala coloring isn't just a girl or for moms seeking a Zen (read: ketenangan) moment (although, let's be honest, that's a perk!). My own little crew, usually a ball of boundless energy, actually gets quiet and focused when they tackle a mandala. It's like a mini-meditation session, minus the weird chanting  and uncomfortable pretzel poses. 🧘🏻‍♀️

But why?: Unlike traditional coloring pages with defined lines and characters, mandalas offer a sense of freedom. There's no "right" way to color them, which can be surprisingly liberating for kids who sometimes get hung up on perfection. Plus, the repetitive patterns create a sense of focus, which – let's face it – is a skill most kids could use a little more of in our fast-paced world.⏳

Bonus points: Coloring mandalas can also be a sneaky way to sneak in some creativity and color theory. My kiddos loves experimenting with different color combinations, and I have to admit, some of her creations are pretty darn impressive. 🎨

The verdict? Mandalas are a win-win for parents and kids. They're a screen-free activity that promotes focus, creativity, and maybe even a little Zen for the whole family. So next time you hear the dreaded "boredom" cry, consider grabbing a pack of crayons and a mandala coloring book. You might just be surprised at the magic that unfolds. ✨

Next week, school holidays start, right? 😏 So have you thought about your plan to keep them occupied? 

P.S. If you're looking for some mandala inspiration, check out my friend's, Canette, awesome coloring book on Amazon. It's got beautiful designs that are perfect for both kids and adults (read: stressed-out parents).