Often overlooked and dismissed due to its nature as a hobby, arts and crafts have more appeal to it than just vibrant colours and eccentric pieces of work. Studies have proven that art can create well-rounded, empathetic people, therefore it is important for parents to pay attention to their child’s growth and development through art activities.
As it is always better to strike the iron while it is hot, how can parents help to instil the skills and love for arts in their child? What are the benefits that your child will acquire along the way?
- Be inquisitive!
Approach and pique your interest in your child’s art. While they are creating their artwork, ask questions like ‘Why do you prefer blue instead of green?’, ‘Do you prefer using colour pencils or watercolour?’, and ‘Could you explain to me about your craft?’
By engaging and showing your interest in your child’s art, you will be able to refine their creative thinking abilities. It will provide a way for them to speak their mind eloquently and practise reasoning. In return, you will be able to see your child’s face light up with joy as they share their interest with you!
2. Give your child access to arts and crafts supplies.
…with supervision, of course!*
This method will allow your child to explore their creativity, and later on, their individuality. By doing arts and crafts, it will help them to comprehend the complexity and abstractness of life, and express themselves using elements other than colour pencils, watercolours, and crayons.
No one says the sky cannot be pink, the sun green, and the grass purple, so tell your child to do whatever their heart desires!
*It is advised that parents supervise and assist your child with tasks that require the use of sharp objects such as scissors and knives.
3. Encourage your child to be empathetic.
What better way to indulge your child’s interest, and at the same time, teach them the values of being empathetic and respectful than through the medium of arts and crafts?
Arts and crafts will help your child to be open with their emotions and shape their worldview intimately. It allows your child to put themselves in other’s shoes, simultaneously encourage them to be respectful, thus improving their social skills. Many artists and sculptors can attest to this, citing their personal experiences have given them a platform to express how they feel on the inside.
4. Safely guide their way through emotions.
There will be days when your child withdraws, and as a parent, you will feel lost as to how to cheer your child up. It gets more complicated when they refuse to explain overtly how they feel. Parents, encourage them to not bottle up their feelings.
What you can do is to ease their way through their experience—be it positive or negative—through art. The act itself is non-verbal, but it will aid them to express how they are feeling. This action will promote positive emotional development for your child in a safe manner.
5. Creative problem solving is the appeal.
In the 21st Century, employers view soft skills to be just as important as hard skills. Such skills can be trained from home, but what can you do to help successfully instil the right skills in your child? That is right: the easiest and fool-proof way to kick-start your child’s soft skills is through arts and crafts!
Your child will face difficulties in creating their masterpieces, but through the activity, they will learn to overcome the problems they are facing. Allow your child some time, encouragement, and suggestions for them to ponder so they will be able to learn from trial and error. The challenge lies in the process, so it is advisable for parents to be there and empower your child.
By the way, parents, if you are currently looking for a preschool, why not enrol your child at Q-dees?
Q-dees preschools offer a broad range of subjects taught by our dedicated teachers to nurture your child’s talents (even in arts!) by laying its foundation interactively and enjoyably. Q-dees does not only teach important life skills through arts and crafts, but will also help to create and bridge connection between your child and those around them.
Sounds interesting? Do not wait any longer, enrol your child at a Q-dees near you TODAY by calling 1700-81-5077 or visit Q-dees’ website!
Reference List
Art Education Matters: We Know It, We Measure it https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2014/12/03/13greene.h34.html
I Asked Artists About Empathy: Here Is What They Said https://www.huffpost.com/entry/i-asked-artists-about-empathy-here-is-what-they-said_b_587bbac0e4b094e1aa9dc740
Myna?íková, L. 2012. Art-based Program for Social and Emotional Development of Children. US-China Education Review.
Young People’s Soft Skills Highly Valued by Employers https://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/article-details/young-peoples-soft-skills-highly-valued-by-employers