GETTING MESSY WITH LITTLE ONES

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If you talk about painting or art with little ones, the images that often come to mind can be summed up with the words: NOT WORTH IT!

But, I want to say that, although the mess part can be stressful, it is worth it.   The advantages to introducing art into the lives of our little ones are numerous.

To start with, art improves fine motor skills in children.   When a child is painting(or creating a masterpiece in another medium), they are using both sides of their brain.  There are not a whole lot of other experiences that can do that.

Art inspires creativity, initiates a decision making process, and encourages your child to pay attention to details.  Cause and effect relationships are starting to be understood. For example, if I press harder with my marker, the color is darker than when I press lightly.  Where should I begin on this paper? Which color should I use first? What happens if I mix these 2 colors? These are some of the questions that unwittingly start swirling through your child’s mind.  As children get older, they begin to really think about the details, such as, where should I put this person’s nose, or how many flowers should I paint in this garden.

Art also provides children(and adults) a way to express their thoughts and emotions.  When a child is working on an art project, there is no right or wrong way to do it. This can cause art time to be very relaxing to a child.  Working on a project without the worry of it being good enough boosts a child’s self esteem. Each child’s work of art will be unique, just as your child is unique.  Learning that no 2 projects will be the same can help children to appreciate the differences of other children around them. This is all vital to developing an understanding of the world around them, and understanding that it’s ok to be unique.

For most children, art is the first experience a child  will have with hands-on, self directed learning. Succeeding at creating a masterpiece that a child is proud of works wonders at enhancing his/her confidence.  

Working on an art project, side by side with a child can be a special bonding time.  Asking a preschooler to talk about the project they are working on also increases their awareness of what they are working on.  Something that may look as simple as a circle and a square to you, may symbolize a whole lot more to them! It’s important to ask open ended questions so that the child can learn to put their emotions into words, without you helping them to fill in the blanks.  It’s amazing how a shy, quiet child can become animated and articulate when telling you, with pride, about what they have just created. It’s also wonderful for you to articulate what you’re working on with your child. It helps them to see how you can both be expressing yourselves in completely different manners.

I know the mess can sometimes seem overwhelming.  Try not to think about that! When I’m working on an art project with a little one, I generally strip them down to their diaper and put an old sheet on the table.  Messes are usually able to be cleaned up pretty thoroughly when you are done. An exception here….wax does not come out of carpet very easily….trust me!

When a project is completed and dry, consider displaying it somewhere in your home.  This reinforces to the child how important their work really is. The look of satisfaction on their faces when they see their artwork on the wall is priceless.  It may not match your decor, but that’s irrelevant. You are telling your child that what they have made is more important to you than anything else. I love listening to them point out their projects on my wall to everyone that enters my home.  My home usually looks like it was decorated by a 3 year old. That’s ok because it is. One day, I can decorate so my home looks like it belongs in a magazine, but that day is not today. I cherish the works of art that I have accumulated from my children over the years.

This is the perfect season to give it a try.  There are so many perfect holiday art projects for children of all ages.  It even adds to the festive spirit of your home. I love to bring out their holiday art projects year after year.  It’s fun for them and for me to reminisce about each project.