Caution: Artist At Work

Drawing is a great visual and intellectual exercise for children. It gives them the chance to express their thoughts and interpret their feelings. It’s a way of creating something tangible from something quite abstract. As a mom, you have to encourage your kids to go on this imaginary journey as much as they can. They will often treat your encouragement as an affirmation to keep doing what they do.

You can further encourage drawing and other art-related activities by making your home as art-conducive as you possibly can. First, you can create an art nook or corner for your child to sit down and create anything he or she wants. This nook will also serve as storage space for different art materials so they are easily within reach. And when it comes to these materials, make sure you stock up on different kinds to allow your child to experiment freely. Purchase different types of drawing platforms, such as plain paper, textured paper, construction paper, or board paper. Give you child enough supply of crayons, colored pens, markers, and other drawing mediums as well. 

As your child draws more and more, you should see considerable improvement in his or her output. One of the better gauges for this is how a child draws a person. As his or her drawing skills improve, the drawing will become more intricate and accurate, the body parts more recognizable. You can help your child progress in this aspect by guiding his or her hands in drawing each of the body parts. You may start with the head and all the others attached to it, such as the ears, nose, eyes, and neck. Print out a photo to serve as your child’s guide as well.

When my children were young, they would draw and paint everyday. I would then take photos of their artwork and make a digital slideshow of them which we could view together. I’d frame these and hang them on the wall for everyone to see. I even put a clothesline in their playroom where I hung the things they come up with everyday. And how they loved seeing their works that way! I’m sure your kids would feel the same way if you did that too!