How to Encourage Self-Expression in Kids Through Painting and Drawing

Children enjoy experiences that touch many of their senses at the same time. Kids painting on a chalkboard, whiteboard easel, and other artistic expressions do just that. Not only does the child see the art taking shape, but he or she also touches the items that create it. Encourage your children to express themselves! Create a supportive environment and supply the art items they need to make art.

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Why Painting and Drawing Matter for Self-Expression

Not everyone is good at talking about their thoughts and feelings. Painting and drawing allow a child to express himself in a different way that might be hard to state out loud. On a good day, your child might use vibrant colors. If they’re feeling down, the colors might be subdued. Art can also help them to build self-confidence as they create pieces on their own and have full control over how things come together. It can even reduce stress and give them a healthy outlet.

The New York Times states that art education can actually help other lessons stick with children. While art can be a joy, it can also help kids memorize times tables! Creativity in children is never a bad thing, even when it pertains to other subjects at school.

Setting Up an Inviting Art Space at Home

If you want your child's art to be a centerpiece in your home, set up an art space with items from Little Partners® that your child can use to get creative. Here are some ideas to help you set that space up in an efficient manner.

• Choose the Space

Survey your house and see what space may work best for your child’s art. You might use the dining room as a double-use spot, or you might have an extra room that can be dedicated just to art.

• Light it Well

Your child will need good lighting to see all of the colors correctly. If you can allow natural light into the space, that’s best. Otherwise, light it well so they can see what they are creating.

• Organize the Storage

You probably don’t want art supplies scattered all over the dining room table, or even a dedicated art room. Consider storage options nearby the space so it is accessible, but can also be out of the way when it’s not in use.

• Get Supplies

What kind of art does your child enjoy creating? To guarantee they have what they need when they need it, keep a range of supplies on the internet. Create a list and include supplies like paper, markers, crayons, paints, and a range of other items so your child may create whenever they feel the need.

Practical Activities to Spark Creativity

Forbes encourages adults to craft with their children to allow them to create and explore. Kids are naturally creative and curious, and art with the adults in their lives gives them the opportunity to foster those skills for the future. 

You might go on an outdoor adventure, and then have your child draw something they saw. You can ask them to draw their day, their family, or their best friend. You could also go with something more esoteric and ask them to paint the way they feel. Those small tasks can allow your child to get creative and start off on their own path.

Supporting Kids Without Directing Their Art

You want your kid's art to be authentic, and you want to stand by and support their creative veins. It is often easy for parents to take over, though, and you don’t want to direct your child in their creativity. Here are some ways you can support your child without taking control of their art.

• Supply the Theme

Ask your child to create a piece of art that reminds them of something, like a season, a holiday, or even a person. 

• Introduce a Type of Art

Your child likely doesn’t know every art form that exists, right? Show them a type of art and ask them to create something in that style. They may enjoy the art form and use it more in the future.

• Suggest a Technique

Ask your child to paint in a new manner, like using tree branches instead of brushes. This helps them to realize that painting is open-ended and they can get more creative with their techniques.

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Wrapping It Up

Children are naturally creative, and it’s wise for parents to encourage self-expression. Consider a dedicated art area, whether it’s a multi-use area or a space just for art. Have supplies on hand and allow your child to get creative in their own way. Self-expression can help a child say things without using their words, and it aids them in building self-confidence as they grow. Be supportive of creativity, but try not to control it so it can blossom in your child in its own way.