I’ve always loved art. From doodling in my notebook to painting to dancing, I’m not sure there is a form I don’t like or appreciate. However, as a mom, I don’t get to spend as much time (or any time at all!) doing those kinds of things.
With three boys at home, a part-time job, and running a household, I can always find something else that needs my attention. There is always laundry, someone calling my name, or a closet that needs to be organized. Sometimes, though, those things have to wait.
Not only have I discovered a way to make time for the things I liked to do before kids, but a way to encourage my children to like them too. Art has played a huge part in my life, and I want it to be important to my kids as well.
Art is a great way to express yourself and a creative outlet. It’s subjective, so no matter what you do, it’s something that you made. There is no right or wrong answer. No art is good or bad.
All of these things are so important for kids to learn and practice. They are also important to us adults. By exploring them with my children, I have rediscovered a passion that I’d forgotten, as well as a way to reduce stress.
So, how do you get your kids to create art? How can you encourage them?
For my kids, they tend to like any activity more if I do it with them. Spending time together, no matter what you do, is important. If all of you enjoy what you are doing together, it’s so much better.
When I’m excited about doing something, they can sense it. So, pick something you are passionate about. There are so many different forms of art, and art can be anywhere or anything.
Bake and decorate a cake together. Design a kite and fly it. Make birthday cards for a friend.
All of these activities give a chance to be creative and expressive. Plus, you are doing it together.
With my family, it started with simple things. When my boys were complaining about being bored, I brought out coloring books. I also got one out for myself. We would sit on the floor, coloring and talking. For once, there was no fighting, no whining, and no complaining. I forgot the stresses of everyday life, if only for that time.
Now, we try to do art together often. I buy canvases and we paint. We make bracelets from pipe cleaners and beads. We watch YouTube videos and follow along to make our favorite characters.
Even though we are all making our own creations, we still get to spend time together. We may not make masterpieces, but we’re making memories.
