I have a 3yo and a 6yo. I want to cultivate there creativity and critical thinking skills in a way that relates to “math” but I’m not really concerned about tea

I have a 3yo and a 6yo. I want to cultivate there creativity and critical thinking skills in a way that relates to “math” but I’m not really concerned about teaching arithmetic. They get that enough in school. I also want to instill the idea that though getting “things” are nice, there is value other than just money. Here’s one thing I’ve been doing/discovered that appears successful so far: For years I was part of a maker space and I would bring my kid with me a “make” presents on the laser cutter. These were things I designed (like a press fit box) that they helped pick out what to etch on the cover. They would then help my put the material on the machine and push the button. Their friends (and friends parents) loved these gifts. 2 years ago, we moved to a new house and we bought a cnc router for the basement. It is nominally a tool for my side project making wordclocks. Though I’ve made a few clocks, we’ve mostly been making birthday/Christmas/Hanukkah gifts for their friends and cousins. The kids help me with the general concept, drawing ideas on paper, I make a cad design and program the machine. Then they help me “set up” the machine and push the button. Lastly they help me sand the final parts. One design we’ve made a TON of is a custom engraved magic marker holder based on their original design concept. Some of these ideas have even turned into a side, side project and we sell them on Etsy. We’re not selling that many units, but I am getting a huge amount of satisfaction as a parent and the kids are having fun making things. Little do they realize that they are learning to design and fabricate. More importantly (I think) they are learning that if they have an idea, they have the power to implement it (albeit with a lot of help now, but that’s not the point). I like the idea of sneaking in STEM, creativity and confidence without the kids even noticing! So if YOU are interested in making things, I suggest getting a cnc router, 3D printer, or other digital fab tool for YOUR hobby, but get your kids involved in the process. ———- For those curious about the projects I mentioned: Wordclock: http://www.finewordclocks.com http://www.finewordclocks.com Marker Holder: https://www.etsy.com/listing/693459373/personalized-childs-marker-holder-marker https://www.etsy.com/listing/693459373/personalized-childs-m...