Encouraging Kids and Teens in Arts & Crafts

The goal for every parent is for their children to grow into productive, confident, flourishing adults. That result depends so much on what happens in their early years. Getting your kids into something that helps them feel the above, like arts and crafts, is a step in the right direction.

Before we dive into five tips for getting your kids into arts and crafts, let’s explore the benefits of doing so. 

The Benefits of Arts and Crafts for Kids and Teens 

One of the most significant benefits of kids and teens getting into art is expression. They can authentically express themselves through creating, whether painting, sewing, crafting, building, or drawing. 

Self-expression is essential because it inspires confidence. When a kid can be who they are, they’re more likely to have high self-esteem and self-worth, two things critical for building a meaningful life. 

Another considerable benefit is immersing themselves in real life rather than an online-focused one. When children have an arts-and-crafts-centered hobby, they don’t have as much time to spend on social media, the internet, and their phones.

Less screen time leaves more time for real-life and inspiration. It also leads to better sleep. Your kids will get out of the habit of clinging to their phones before bed and, instead, can get the rest they need to do their best at school and other activities each day. 

To drive home the benefits of arts and crafts for kids and teens even further, we’ll leave you with some notable statistics. 

According to Ipaintmymind.org, “Students with access to arts education are 5x less likely to drop out of school.” In addition, these kids are 4x more likely to be celebrated for academic excellence. And they’re 3x more likely to go to college for a Bachelor’s degree. 

Arts and crafts can catalyze a deep dedication to education, among the other impressive benefits. 

If you want your kids to experience these advantages, encouraging them to explore arts and crafts is the next step. Taking art-focused classes together is an excellent starting point.  

Take Art-Focused Classes Together 

There’s a better chance of your kids developing a genuine interest in art once they determine which kinds of art they’re drawn to. Art-focused classes are a great segue into this. Your children will be able to explore different art mediums, tools, techniques, and so forth. 

There are art-focused classes for kids of all ages. For example, you could take a raised salt painting class with your toddler. You could do splatter painting or spin art classes with your elementary-aged kids. Or, you could take graphic design classes with your teen if they’re interested in digital art and illustration. 

Whatever the class is, taking it together will help your kids feel more comfortable experimenting. 

Go to Museums, Art Fairs, and Other Events 

Many art events and activities take place daily and many of them are low-cost or free. Sit down with your kids, find some they’re excited about, and put them on the calendar.  

Here are some ideas to get you started: 

• Museums
• Art fairs
• Art walks 
• Festivals 
• Art tours 
• Paint parties 
• Sculpture walks
• Gallery openings 
• Fashion shows 
• Sewing workshops
• Painting a community mural

Get into Art History Lessons 

Some kids will be much more interested in art if they know where it comes from. Learning about art history and the movements that brought it to where it is today can be quite fascinating. If your kids become fascinated about where art came from, it might inspire them to be a part of where it goes. 

So, get into some art history lessons with your children. Stick to simple, hands-on lessons for younger kids. But your teens can stand more in-depth reading and detailed art history studies. 

Also, don’t feel like you have to be the teacher. Instead, use the internet to search videos, infographics, and art history influencers that can make the history of art more alluring and easier to comprehend. 

Shop for Art Supplies 

Sometimes, your kids just need the space and the supplies to create. Go shopping for art supplies with them to ensure they have what they need at home whenever they have an artistic itch to scratch. 

Some common physical art supplies to have are: 

• Yarn
• Canvases 
• Crayons
• Markers 
• Craft glue 
• Playdough 
• Colored pencils
• Ceramics and clay
• Construction paper  
• Paint and paintbrushes 
• Buttons, glitter, jewelry, and other accessories  

Also, consider grabbing some digital art supplies. This could be editing software like Photoshop, a video camera, a drawing tablet, or digital brushes. 

Make Time for Arts and Crafts at Home 

As mentioned above, kids need the space to create to fuel their interest in art. So, designing an area dedicated to arts and crafts and making time for these projects at home is integral. 

It could be an entire room or a corner in your kid’s room. Just make sure your designated arts and crafts area is stocked with supplies, has great lighting, comfortable seating, and anything else that will help your kids get into a creative mood. 

After that, set aside time each week to do arts and crafts projects with your kids. When in the introduction phase, it’s best to start slow, with an hour or so a week on a creative project. Then, as they become more interested, ramp up your arts and crafts time. 

Surround your kids with arts and crafts at home, and they’ll be more likely to find their interests and places in the creative world. 

If you want your kids to take an interest in arts and crafts, you, too, have to show a genuine interest in it. Do the above together, and you’ll be well on your way to nurturing the artistic, creative side of your children.