How to Get Your Kids Interested in Art (from Toddlers to Teens)

Creating art is not only a fun (and messy) pastime, it is also highly educational. Art has numerous positive effects on kids, including toddlers, young children, and teens. In fact, research shows that art has cognitive, emotional, and physical benefits and can even boost children’s self-confidence and academic success.

Because art has such a profound impact on children’s early development, the earlier you introduce them to art, the better. But even if your kiddo was not particularly interested in creative activities as a young child, there is plenty you can do to get them interested in art as a teen.

Whether you have a toddler or a teenager, here are some awesome suggestions to get your kids interested in art and make it a part of their life.

Start Them Early

All kids are naturally curious, but toddlers most of all. Take advantage of this phase as much as possible and nurture their curiosity by introducing them to colorful, interesting visuals like illustrations, paintings, and drawings.

Toddlers like to touch and grab everything, so a hands-on, sensory approach is best. Provide them with non-toxic, age-appropriate art materials like finger paint, washable markers, big crayons, etc. Painting activities and playing with playdough is also highly recommended, as it encourages fine motor skills. In this phase, the point is simply to introduce your little one to art and encourage them to play and experiment.

Visit Museums and Galleries

If you have a young child or a teenager, take them on regular trips to museums and art galleries. This is the best way to expose your kids to various artistic styles and mediums. Programs specifically designed for children and interactive exhibits can be particularly interesting to younger kids.

Visiting museums with your children on a regular basis is almost guaranteed to make them fall in love with art. But it’s important to start slow. Don’t drag your little one to overly complex, abstract exhibitions (your older teen might love it, though!), and don’t force them to look at works they don’t seem very interested in (even if you are). It’s best to let your kid explore at their own pace.

Choose Art Together to Display in Your Home

Another great way to encourage your kid’s interest in art is to let them choose artwork that will be displayed in their bedroom. Start with displaying their own artwork – let them choose their best pieces, and then frame and display them proudly and prominently. This will foster a sense of pride in your child and create an environment that celebrates their creativity.

It’s also a good idea to involve your kid in the process of selecting art pieces for the rest of your home, such as your living room, kitchen, hallway, etc. The easiest way to do this is to browse for artwork online together. Online art galleries, like Singulart, are a great way to discover interesting pieces that resonate with your artistic preferences and your child’s.

Talk about Art with Your Children

Talking about art is not easy – for adults, that is. But unlike many grownups who are scared of being wrong when thinking and talking about art, children don’t care whether they’re right or wrong; they simply want to have fun!

You can encourage their interest in art by asking them questions about pieces and works they find interesting. Start with easy questions such as “What do you see?” and then go from there. Ask your child to tell you what they like about a certain piece, what they don’t like, and how they would make it “better” or more interesting.

This is a great way to encourage your child to think about art and help them develop an artistic vocabulary. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers – it’s all about having fun!