How to Encourage Your Child's Artistic Side

Children naturally love to craft and color, but some children find that art is a true passion. If you believe that your child really loves art, there are some ways that you can encourage his artistic side. 

Diving into your artistic side can allow you the opportunity to find out more about yourself. Allowing your child to express himself in his art also fosters his true, natural talents. So, here are some ways to encourage your child's artistic side. 

Stock Up on Art Supplies

A child cannot make art without supplies. Keep a drawer with pencils, paints, crayons, construction paper, child-safe scissors, and glue. Try some other items like ribbon, clay, greeting cards, felt, and buttons. Kids have such a vivid imagination; they will use these items to create wonderful works of art. 

Let Him Do His Thing

As much as you might want to encourage him to try something new or use a different paint brush, let your child do what he wants. His creativity should never be your agenda. 

Offer New Techniques Without Pushing

Sometimes, your child is stuck on one thing for a long time. That's ok! It's also okay if you decide to purchase some clay in hopes he will love that too. If your child doesn't want to use them, don't push it. Good chances are he will try them after looking at them in the art box. If you push it, he will feel disgruntled and not encouraged. 

Chat about His Art

Instead of praising his work, try making statements about his work, such as: "you used a lot of blue today" or "you used different types of brushes in your painting." Your goal is to show your child that you notice the different things he is trying, encouraging him to explore his creativity. 

Never Correct His Work

His artwork is his, and there is no "perfect" or correct way to do it. Refrain yourself from telling him what's wrong with it or telling him to fix it in any way. 

You can work side by side on a project if he asks. If he wants your assistance, he will ask, but don't force your idea of beauty onto his work. Doing so tends to make your child close up and not want to keep trying if they feel it's never good enough for their parent.