Teaching Kids Art Through Picture Books

I ran across this quote by cartoonist Scott Adams this week: “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” We learn quite young to try not to mess up. We want to please others, we don’t want to be punished, we want to be the best in the class. It is hard to turn off all of those motivations when it comes to being creative. 

Art is about learning a skill as well as being creative, so there is legitimacy in trying to follow instructions well. But how to balance learning to be creative with fear of not messing up?

Last week we were talking about fear of messing up (FOMU) and how powerfully that fear affects all of us when it comes to creating art. Did you know that you can encourage your kids and yourselves to quiet that fear of messing up so creativity--and art--can flourish?

Here are some simple suggestions to combat the fear of making mistakes while trying practicing creativity in art. This applies when learning any new skill, whether you are...

Want to develop deeper bonds with your kids? Sometimes art can be a great springboard to conversation and a better understanding between parents and children, or to help build the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren.

Last week I had the privilege of one-on-one time with a Storygalorey friend whose grandma purchased a private art lesson for him. He was visiting from another area of the world, and one way they've connected is through Drawing for Kids online art and stories. What a wonderful time we had! It was fun to get to know him and his story a little bit. It was amazing to watch this child enjoy art plus special attention from his mom and grandma. It was a special art date with them.

As our kids were growing up, we tried to take them on dates on a fairly regular basis to give them individual attention. Back then, I wish I'd thought of taking them on a creativity date instead of the expedient McDonalds! We wanted them to feel seen and to know they were loved in our ...