Creativity, to a young child’s brain, is important. Being able to make art, create, and express is how so many of us learn from an early age. There are lots of ways a parent can encourage a toddler or young child to express themselves in an artful fashion and stoke their creativity.
Set Aside The Space
Creativity can be chaotic. Try to contain it by designating an artistic space, such as with a standing art easel.
Be Alright With A Mess
It’s unfortunate but art can get messy. Prepare for it. Don’t get angry if you end up having to clean, in the process of allowing your child to create. For this reason, be sure to install them somewhere where cleaning is easy.
Set Aside The Time
A child must know what’s appropriate and what isn’t. Drawing on the walls isn’t appropriate, as an example. Set aside time for a child to do art and express themselves, and try to have them understand what’s appropriate and inappropriate when it comes to where, when, and how creativity is expressed.
Buy The Supplies
If you want to encourage creativity, provide the resources for them to feel like they have permission to do so. A set of paint supplies is an easy buy.
Don’t Rush
Not all of us create in the same way or at the same pace. Don’t rush your child. Some won’t be inclined to be very creative at all. That’s ok. It’s just important to provide them an area where a child can feel like it’s acceptable to be artistic and creative in. When they’re ready, everything will be there for them.
Acknowledge Their Work
A common mistake that parents make even in later years, as it relates to art and creativity, is a lack of acknowledgment. A little acknowledgment and a “Well done!” is enough to keep someone pursuing self-expression and being artful.
Don’t Question The Work
A lot of children are naturally creative. When left to their own devices, some will always find a manner to self-express. In acknowledging their work, don’t question them. Allow your child to just be in the moment, express themselves, and not have to think about what they’re doing or why. When they start to question, as with anyone, that’s when we stop and examine what we’re expressing. Try to keep it pure, simple, and welcome their work.
Even if your young child doesn’t grow up to be the next big thing in the art world, creating develops important mental, social, and emotional skills. It helps with analyzing and problem-solving, and in understanding different materials, colors, and tools, it teaches fine motor skills, involves some math, and is all-around very rewarding. Shop premium children’s art supplies at ShopperPlus.ca today.
