Kid Fun: The ART of it All!

What kid doesn't like to paint, draw, doodle, glue, mash, use glitter, and simply create a "one-of-a-kind masterpiece?" Creating kid art fosters creativity, originality, and can sometimes provide some amazing insight into a child's imagination and view of the world. But parents and other well-meaning adults sometimes stifle artistic expression by trying to apply too many rules and structure. This, in turn, can actually diminish a child's interest in art. Here are tips to bring out the artist in kids:

DO:

• ENCOURAGE self-expression and freedom to make choices. Provide your child with a few colors (whether it is paint, crayons, markers, etc.), and a blank canvas and see what wonders can be created.



• MAINTAIN an open mind about your child's creations. So what if you can't tell what it is. Ask yourself: Did my child have fun creating this? After all, that is what counts.



• ADD a fun mix of art objects that can make creations super fun. Depending in the youngsters age, bring on the glitter, sparkle pens, glue, feathers, rhinestones, buttons, pasta noodles, or other potential art objects.



• PROVIDE a space, environment and clothing that a child can get messy without fear of punishment. After all, the greatest masterpieces may not be created on simply an 8 1/2x11 sheet of copy paper. So what if their hands get washable paint on them? Kids clean up, after all.



• PRAISE your child for efforts. Display artwork proudly and encourage the child to describe the project in his terms.

DO NOT:

• ASK a child what heis creating or try to affix a label to artwork. If an adult says, "Awww. Are you drawing a picture of your cat?" and the reality is that he was drawing a robot, a kid may feel he's not a very good drawer.



• DIRECT color assignments or assist (kids call it interfering) in any way. The sky does not have to be blue, grass green, or clouds white. Let a youngster determine colors.



• SET EXPECTATIONS of what your child should produce. Does it really matter? Encourage them to do what they want. Parents can help prompt a reluctant child who says she doesn't know "what" to draw by suggesting some ideas, but after that, don't be pushy.



• PRESSURE a child to create art. Some well-meaning parents have created an "art time" for their youngsters with the belief that it will foster their love of art. For some kids, that could be the case. Others, however, will begin to view it as work or a chore. Know your child and his passion, and keep his interest and curiosity at an all-time.