Many parents think that children only need to excel at academics in school in order to be successful later in life. However, art can be an important factor in a child’s development, as it allows them to express themselves better. Moreover, when used as a form of therapy, art can be a tool that can help children heal from painful experiences.
New Zealand book illustrator, Lyn Kriegler, knows all about the positive impact of art as she regularly holds art workshops to help children deal with anger issues and trauma. In an interview with The Epoch Times, Kriegler said that everyone has that “light within them” that can be sparked by art, which is why children should be encouraged to take up a creative form of expression for their health and happiness. If you notice that your little one has an interest in drawing, painting or colouring, here are some creative ways to encourage your child’s artistic talents.
Draw while people watching
Some children will start drawing right away, and they’ll do just fine if you leave them alone with some crayons and paper. However, some kids will need a little more inspiration than that before they can unleash their creative talent.
To get your child drawing or painting, why not take them to an outdoor café so they can draw while people watching? It’s good practise when learning to draw human faces, and it also helps them become more observant of the people around them.
If it’s your child’s first time drawing faces, guide them and teach them about the basic shapes, and encourage them to draw a variety of eye shapes and colours, nose sizes, and lip shapes – after all, not everyone looks the same. Bring a sketchbook, some pencils, coloured pencils and markers, and take your child to a child-friendly New Zealand pub, restaurant, or café, such as the Northcote Tavern, Postman’s Leg, Mexicali Fresh, Charlie & George Café, or Mission. Plan on going when the weather is nice so you and your little one can enjoy some fresh air while sketching different faces.
Go on a street art walking tour
Going to a gallery or a museum allows your child to learn more about some of the greatest works of art. However, if your child wants to view art in a different way, why not take them on a street art walking tour? There are walking tours available in the major cities, some offering the chance to view unique murals by artists such as Erika Pearce, D Side and Cracked Ink. Viewing street art opens up a whole new world to your child, and it lets them know that art can be found even in the most unexpected places.
Have a mini exhibit at home
Once your child has created several pieces, it’s time to show them off to your family and friends. Plan on having a mini exhibit at home at your next dinner party, and showcase your child’s artwork. You don’t have to spend a lot to do so – you can frame some of your child’s best works and hang them up or display them on easels, or display them on a clothesline made from a thin piece of crafting rope. Add some fairy lights to give the exhibit a festive vibe, and play some fun music to enhance the experience. Displaying your child’s work will give them a sense of pride and will encourage them to keep on working on their craft.
Art can help to boost your child’s happiness and confidence. Encourage your little one to develop their artistic talents by trying some of these tips, and see how art can have a positive impact on their life as they grow.
Does your child love to create art? How do you nurture their creative talents?
See more:
This article was written by Sally Sykes with additional content by Kidspot NZ. Sally is a freelance writer who left her corporate job for a life of freedom. She regularly travels with her family and absolutely loves camping in the great outdoors.
I devoured this article as I am on the lookout for how to encourage my son’s creativity. Most likely due to my own desire to also increase my artistic (non) talent. However, my 4 year old won’t sit still to do any colouring or drawing. Hence, I might need to go do these exercises on my own.
The home art exhibition sounds like a great idea – maybe when the kids are older. I like doing sensory play when doing art e.g. paint and shaving cream or other textures. We also like using chalk as easy to clean and does not matter so much if they draw on other things when they are younger.
My kids love to get arty, my 18 year old is an amazing artist. My littlies like to draw and colour and they spend ages at the table with paper and pencils. I love the ideas here and during the holidays I am going to do some of these.
Some absolute little gems here for me to use with my middle boy… He was recently diagnosed with anxiety, depression and registering ASD as well… His therapy is art especially painting and sketching… He is incredibly good too and I’m not just saying that even his teachers have been telling me to please nurture it as he has serious talent… These tips and tricks were just what we needed to keep that art fire in his belly alive. It deff helps him to maamge his anxiety and angry outbursts alot so can say without a doubt asrt is very good therapy
I love seeing our kid’s creative endeavours and I’m all about encouraging as much free flowing creativity as possible. I have frames in the hallway that we use to display the kid’s current work from kindy and school and keep their other work in big a3 folders to keep safe.
My boys love to create and share their creations. The 11yr old is is more a physical creator – he creates football art on the field! While my 4yr old loves to sit down and draw, but he has to be int he right mood otherwise all we get is scribble. Mind you, if a banana taped to a wall is art, then maybe I have not been viewing the scribble in the right context 😀
Both my girls love to draw and create. I usually draw things for them to copy at times. I get them different kinds of materials and pens to draw and create a masterpiece…they enjoy being creative and free…some things surprise me in terms of how they see the world.
I find most children like to be creative with paints especially my children. If I get some paper and paints out they get really creative they also love felts and drawing. I think it’s great encouraging children to be creative.
My almost 7 year old daughter loves to draw – people, animals, buildings you name it! She does some really cool originals and we have a pick of them up on her wall in her room 🙂 We always encourage her to draw, she can be her own worst critic at times, but we try and encourage her to keep on drawing. I loved art when I was younger, still do and I draw birthday cards for all of her friends birthdays, gotta keep using it! 🙂
Awesome ideas for creative art work for children. My daughter love love loves drawing. Any spare money she gets she buys felts, coloured pencils and normal lead pencils. We encourage her to draw while bored and give her praise for her work.