Introduction:

Drawing is probably the first step towards learning how to write for many children. Right from the age of 15 months to 2 years kids may pick up drawing at different stages as they are able to hold that pencil or a crayon. If your child is really interested in making pictures or just scribbling something on paper, it’s great. But there are many children who might shy away from drawing for many reasons. They probably just need a little encouragement that helps them withdrawing. Children learn drawing in different stages as per their age. Let us look at how we can teach our 4 old to draw.

By this time most of the children are able to hold a pencil or a crayon and can use it on paper pretty well. However, don’t just restrict drawing to paper, pencils, and crayons.

• Use different things to draw – There are different things that can be a canvas for your child. If your child is someone who doesn’t like to just use crayons or colors on paper you can find different things such as cloth, the floor on even your child’s bedroom door. Choose colors appropriately according to the place where he/she is drawing.
• Understand that it’s the process rather than the end product – At the age of 4, it is not a perfect piece of art that we want. It’s just getting your child engaged in the process of drawing or using colors. Let them enjoy the process.
• Do not teach them how to draw – We as parents impulsively try to teach different things to our children and it is no different in the case of drawing as well. Instead of teaching the child how to draw, you can just give them a few suggestions and leave the final decision to them. Your child may surprise you with their decisions and drawings. All you need to do is give them the freedom and let them enjoy the process.
• Draw along with your kid – Participate in the act of drawing along with the child. This is a great way of getting them started and helping them develop an interest in drawing.  
• Encourage them to be creative – Don’t be surprised if your child draws pink hair or purple rabbit. Though we want things to be exactly as they are in real life, kids may express things very differently.
• Ask questions – When your child draws something, ask questions about it. This can also be an excellent way of engaging them in storytelling. Where they are able to talk about their drawing and why they chose certain shapes or colors they can express themselves really well.
• Drawing can be an excellent emotional outlet for your kids. You can ask them to draw an angry face or a happy one according to how they feel about something. 
• Ultimately don’t force your child who is just four years old to learn drawing. Instead of a chore that needs to be completed, if drawing becomes a playtime activity, they will most likely enjoy it and look forward to it.