Introduction

In my opinion, never. It should be dated and filed. Not for the children, but for the grandchildren. And for the parents to shed a nostalgic tear over.It is also for the children to discover after the parents die. So they can be reminded that they were loved. It’s impractical to keep every piece of artwork created by children. Involve children in selecting their “best” artwork that they would like to keep and have conversations on how much focus/concentration and thought went into planning the type of art he/she created and selected to save. This helps children learn the value of concentration as well as the value of putting forth a strong effort to produce quality work. Asking children about their thought processes also stimulates further creativity and innovation. It’s also important to give children a clear expectation on how many pieces of artwork that can be selected to save. This also reinforces math skills with early learning in counting and attaching quantity to tangible objects.Everything can be turned into a learning/teachable moment. Remember for young children, it’s about the process, not the product!

But Why Art?

Fostering creativity won’t just increase your child’s chances of becoming the next Picasso. You’re also helping him developmentally, socially, and emotionally. Creating art may boost young children’s ability to analyze and problem-solve in myriad ways. As kids manipulate a paintbrush, their fine motor skills improve. By counting pieces and colors, they learn the basics of math. When children experiment with materials, they dabble in science. Most important perhaps, when kids feel good while they are creating, art helps boost self-confidence. And children who feel able to experiment and to make mistakes feel free to invent new ways of thinking, which extends well beyond the craft room.

6 Ways to Inspire Creativity

1. Prepare for a mess

Set up an art space where your kid can be free to experiment (and get messy!), advises Bushara. Throw a drop cloth or a newspaper on top of your kitchen table or in the garage. If weather permits, let kids paint outside.

2. Avoid giving direction.

Don’t tell your kid what to make or how to make it. Instead of saying, “Paint a rainbow,” encourage her to “experiment with mixing colors using different types of brushes and paper,” suggests Bushara.

3. Speak specifically about art.

When talking to your child about his artwork, try to be precise in your comments. For instance, instead of giving a generic compliment, Bushara recommends saying, “I see you used a lot of purple. Why did you choose that color?”

4. Explore your child’s process.

Often the best way to encourage conversation about your child’s art is simply to say, “Tell me about what you made,” or ask, “Did you have fun making it?”

5. Don’t draw with your child.

When parents draw something representational while a younger child is sketching, it can frustrate him, warns Bushara. “It’s better to be near him and let him know that you’re interested and supportive of his art-making,” she says.

6. Let it be.

When a child finishes a piece, don’t suggest additions or changes, advises Bushara. It’s important for a child to feel that what she’s created is enough—even if it’s just a dot on the page.