Studies show that introducing art to kids can be an amazing way to help develop various skills that they can go on to use for the rest of their lives. While anyone can jump in and start enjoying it at any age, there are tangible benefits to getting started as early as possible.
Knowing this, mothers can use this to their advantage and help their kids initiate a relationship with art that could last forever. This article will share how this can help take some of the stress off of parenting while also providing a fun and fulfilling activity for their kids.
It Helps Mellow Them Out
A lot of kids have plenty of energy and need a way to expend some of it. For some, sports can be the go-to activity to help out with this, but not everyone is interested in playing them. Luckily, there are many alternatives. And one of them is … art.
Art doesn’t demand physical exertion. But it still involves focus, and increasingly so as one gets more skilled at their craft. Over time, if they enjoy and stick with art, they will also develop fine motor skills and coordination needed to create what they envision.
If you have a child that is particularly hyper, art could be a way to help them sit down. To help them channel their energy into something productive that also satisfies boredom. However, just be aware that you might have some cleaning up to do later.
Photo, Phil Hearing .
It Gives Them A Creative Outlet
Kids might not have the largest vocabulary, but they can still have a lot to say. Instead of using words, introducing art to kids can help them express their thoughts and feelings through art.
It’s important for everyone to have a way to develop a way to start recognising and understanding their emotions. Therefore the earlier someone finds a way to express them, the better.
Art can be that outlet throughout one’s lifetime. It can be used as a way to cope with some of the more complex ones that can start arising, especially during their adolescent years.
Photo, Sigmund.
It Can Be A Bonding Activity
Parenting can feel much easier when you feel closer with your children. There’s arguably no better way to do this than create art together.
Introducing art to kids can be a great way to communicate with each other and learn more about what’s going on in your child’s mind. For example, you can inquire about why they chose a specific colour choice. Or simply start talking about the thought process behind their creation.
To improve their self-confidence, avoid giving them directions or suggestions. Let them use art as a way to explore things the way that they want to, and simply be there alongside them to assure that you’re being supportive.
Photo, Teo Zac.
Still Feeling Stressed? Reach Out For Assistance
Parenting is one of the hardest jobs in the world. But sometimes, it’s not solely what’s causing you to start resenting what could be one of the most special aspects of your life.
Job stress, going to school, maintaining relationships are just some of the things that can pile on and make your role as a parent much harder. Unfortunately, sometimes these factors are unavoidable. Especially if you’re looking to provide the best future for your kids. But you can still learn how to cope with them and keep moving forward.
There are plenty of resources for parenting, including support groups, daycares, and babysitters, that can help you find ways to find time for yourself while also being a great mother. Sometimes professional help might be necessary if you feel that you might be dealing with something more chronic. Especially anxiety and depression.
If you find yourself thinking, “I hate being a mom”, and truly don’t want to feel this way, give counselling and therapy a shot. A licensed professional can help you deal with the mental health concerns that might be getting in the way of you enjoying being a parent by changing the way you think and respond to your stressors, including the ones that are specifically related to being a parent.
Conclusion
Getting your kids in touch with their creative and artistic side can be quite the blessing not only for them, but for you too. So start out by giving them some choices so that they can explore what they like. Drawing, colouring, and water-colour painting are some options you can’t go wrong with. Furthermore they are generally some of the most affordable ones. No matter what they choose, there is a lot to gain from enjoying art, and you should feel free to join in on the fun as well.
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
