An Art Therapist explains how to connect better with your kids, using art.

Your child loves art.

As a parent, you want to connect more, but art is just not your thing.  On top of that, you know that creating art has the potential for a lot of mess, and frankly, it just feels overwhelming. 

So, you sign your child up for art classes and art camps. Your child will no doubt learn new skills on how to use art materials and create a painting or picture they are excited for you to admire and display at home. Your child will probably have a great time, but what would be even better would be spending time with you creating art.

As an Art Therapist, who works with children, I know art is a second language for kids. They don’t overthink it; they just do it.  I also know not all parents feel comfortable with art creation at home. If this, is you, read on!  I want to encourage you to connect with your art-loving child, and your other kids too, and not miss out on this opportunity.

Five reasons why creating art with your kids helps with connection.

1. Creating art together provides a focused time where the parent-child bond can be strengthened.  This is not about you teaching your child something or talking. It’s about being present, enjoying the moment, and being together.

2. Whenever we share in our child’s world, by learning about and participating in what they love, we foster more connection.  You literally are meeting them where they are at, getting down on their level. Do you remember what that felt like when adults in your childhood were able to do that?  If not, it doesn’t mean you can’t provide that for your kids.

3. Ever notice how much time you spend with the “Business” of raising kids?  There are a lot of necessary routines and schedules to keep on track. There often doesn’t feel like there is enough time for play.  For kids OR parents. When we set time aside and allow ourselves to be playful with our kids, things don’t feel as serious. When you and your kids feel more relaxed, conversations can happen more spontaneously. 

4. Feeling accepted.  When your artsy kid, knows you’re not thrilled about glitter, paint, and glue, and experiences you making art alongside them, they are going to feel more seen and accepted. Kids who feel that kind of parental acceptance are going to feel better about themselves. 

5. In a success-driven culture, we often over-focus on the goal. Unwittingly, we may communicate that all that matters is getting the highest grades, and winning the game, and if you don’t get into the best college you will fail in life. With art, it can be easy to get the idea that it’s only a goal-oriented task.  If you can’t draw well, then why be involved? However, art can be so therapeutic when the process is emphasized over the finished product.  The play and the experimentation are where the real magic happens, something your kids may not get enough of at their school and in extracurricular activities.

You don’t have to be able to draw to create art with your kids.

It can be hard to connect with our kids when their interests are not something we enjoy, and even harder when it’s something we feel unable to do well.  Creating art is only one example, but when we demonstrate to our child the willingness to do something poorly, we model it’s okay to be imperfect.  It’s okay to love all parts of ourselves.

It boils down to giving yourself permission to play, experiment, learn from mistakes, and laugh so you can better connect with your kids. You may not know where to start when it comes to art-making. You may be concerned about the potential for the mess art can create. I get it! I wrote another blog where I share some of my tips and tricks with art-making. Click here to read, “How parents can set themselves Up for success with Art at home”.

Free consultation for Art Therapy in San Diego

I hope this encourages you to connect with your kids at home using art. If you are looking for a San Diego Child Therapy specialist in North County, my name is Tami and I provide art therapy to help kids with anxiety in San Marcos. Click here to learn more aboubt how I can help here.

To learn more in general about Art Therapy here are some links to other blogs I have written about the topic.

• What is Art Therapy?

• Is Art Therapy the same as Art Classes?

• An Art Therapist shares 3 helpful ways to talk to your kids about their artwork.

 Thank you for visiting my website. If you found this blog helpful, please share it on your networks.

Tami