Parents: Learn How Art and Creativity are Beneficial for Your Child

Arts and crafts are a fun way to foster creativity in children, and even though they can be potentially messy, experts say that it can help develop children mentally, socially, and emotionally and improve their visual-spatial skills. I found two articles that explain how art can be beneficial for children. Also included are 3 art activities for your child to try!

In an article from Parents Magazine, writer Paula Bernstein says that “when kids feel good while they are creating, art helps boosts self-confidence. And children who feel able to experiment and make mistakes feel free to invent new ways of thinking, which extends well beyond the craft room.” Art also improves skills and introduces children to different concepts.

Bernstein explains that manipulating a paintbrush can develop fine motor skills and experimenting with materials and colors is a good way to dabble in science. Experimenting and making mistakes can be beneficial for children as well, since it allows them to invent new ways of thinking and become familiar with uncertainty. This can be used in all aspects of a child’s life.

One of the most important tips Bernstein recommends for parents is to not suggest changes or additions to your child’s finished piece. She says, “It’s important for a child to feel that what she’s created is enough - even if it’s just a dot on the page.” Just allowing kids to enjoy the creative process and having the freedom to make choices in making art is beneficial for children as they develop.

Another article, titled The Benefit of Art for Kids, author Jean Van’t Hul explains that art is an activity that can trigger all of the senses depending on the type of art. When children experiment with and create art, it encourages neural connections. Hul says that art gives children the freedom to explore their emotions, and art can manifest things they may not be able to put into words.

Here are 3 activities to get your child interested in art:

Adventures in Art, where children can paint, sculpt, perform, dance, and print!
The Art Studio exhibit, which allows children to experiment with different types of art
Pom Pom Rainbow Collage, a colorful, easy craft you and your child can do together

Art is not only fun for kids, but it’s a tool to enhance their creativity and confidence. When done together or with other children, art can improve children’s social skills. Many experts and parents agree that children gain undeniable benefits and skills from art and it provides an opportunity for them to let out their creativity and ideas. So don’t hesitate to let your child experiment with different kinds of art and express themselves!

About the Author: Lyndsey Watkins is a senior at UNCW. She is majoring in English with a concentration in professional writing and a minor in journalism. lyndseymwatkins@gmail.com