Most people go through their lives with their attention on their phones or computer screens. As I write this, I am in a coffee shop overlooking a beautiful park filled with hues of green and a background of red brick buildings; yet the screen still pulls me towards it. I have noticed with my toddler nephew, how much screens command our attention. When he is out in nature and there is no screen in sight, he explores the world around him, jumping into puddles, and feeling everything in sight. But put some colorful cartoon trucks on youtube and the outside world ceases to exist.
It's hard to deny the pull of technology, but what if we could replace our kid's screen time with one for the appreciation of art? It starts with daily habits and associating art and creative expression with fun and adventure. After all, introducing kids to art from an early age is crucial to childhood development. This post will discuss different ways to introduce art into your kid's lives.
Tips for introducing art into your kids' lives
1. Explore Paints and Color Together
The easiest way to start is to have family art time. Grab some paper and any coloring material you have in sight. If you have a toddler at home, I highly recommend finger painting together. The multi-sensory experience is great for their development. Just remember, toddlers love putting everything in their mouths so make sure you’re using edible child-safe paint. All that matters is having fun together with color. One of our favorite coloring activities is to get a poster board, turn some music on, apply the paint to your feet and dance around on the poster board. The creation will be awesome but the memories you create will be priceless.
2. Kids Dress Themselves
Fashion is a daily expression of our personalities. One of my favorite things to see is kids around 2-3 years old getting to dress themselves. The color combinations and joy it brings to the world are just magical. Before they begin to care what the world thinks of them, their fashion choices are to die for. Dressing themselves allows kids to get comfortable expressing themselves and making decisions which helps their creations. It’s art in motion seeing kids move through the world without a care.
3. Visit Museums and Galleries
If you have young children, most big cities have child-friendly museums that focus on sensory experiences. As kids grow, so can your choices of museums and galleries. Regardless, seeing other’s creations expands our perceptions of reality. The younger we begin to see the world through other’s eyes, the better. Plus trying to recreate your kids' favorite piece when you get back is always a fun activity. Take a picture of your child’s favorite piece of art, go home, and have them try to recreate it but add their twist to it. This will not only help kids develop their style but also the techniques of the masters.
4. Walk in Nature to Find Inspiration
There are few colors as vibrant as those we find in nature. Much like going to museums, you can take a picture of a beautiful tree, a majestic tree, or a cool animal and have your child draw it once you get home. This kind of experience will help your kids develop the way they take in the world around them. It will also result in some awesome creations to hang on your fridge or to send into nxtgenart to create some wearable masterpieces.
