4 wonderful parenting tips to get your child to draw.

Getting children to do things such as chores can be quite a challenge. But have you ever struggled with getting your child to draw for fun? Our tech-consumed youth are becoming increasingly less familiar with things that don’t involve a Wi-Fi connection. To help you get your child involved in something analog, we’ve listed a few things you can do to encourage her drawing abilities.

1. Draw with her.

Remember how much fun you had in drawing and coloring as a child? It was great, right? One of the benefits of having children is that it allows us to channel our inner child. Rather than consume yourself in housework, join your child during her art session. Not only will you have a great time letting go of responsibilities for a short time, but your child will appreciate you spending that time with her. After all, what could be better than bonding with your child over something as extraordinary as drawing?

2. Give her creative freedom.

The act of drawing is an art, and the most beautiful form of art is that which comes from the soul. While encouraging your child to draw, be sure not to correct her. As parents, we naturally want to see our child excel, and when we see their unique drawings, we want to show them how to make it ‘better’. DON’T. Accept your child’s work of art as just that-- her work of art. It’s a genuine expression of who she is, what she sees, and how she feels, and that is not for you to change.

3. Use pencils, markers, paint.

Most people associate drawing with pencils when, in fact, you can use some resources to draw. Rather than limit your child to pencils, lay out markers and finger paints. Encourage her to explore and appreciate art's unconventional aspects, which will help develop her creativity.

4. Study it.

If your child struggles with the technical aspects of drawing, get her to read a book on the topic. Reading about the subject will help her develop her skill, and give her some ideas on how to draw specific things such as people, landscapes, and buildings. During those times when motivation dips, reward her from your family’s universal wishlist such as Wishfinity to keep things positive and exciting. You’ll also be encouraging her to study things that are not school related, and that is always a plus!