So if Alex is my little stuntman then Abby is my little artist. Each and everyday Abby is wanting to make something. More often than not she settles for drawing. She makes cards, little books, and other drawings for everyone in the family. Each drawing gets better than the last and when she doesn’t know how to make something she will ask and get help from wherever she can. Most of the time it is mom or dad, but sometimes she has been known to even ask YouTube for ideas. One night I heard her asking YouTube how to draw a house, and then a few minutes later she brings out a drawing of a house complete with windows, chimney, and front door!
My little artist has been producing artwork for several years now. We started documenting some of the pieces before we pitch them. We feel bad tossing her work but there is just so much it’s impossible to keep it all. So we just save the best stuff and photograph the rest. We currently have a few hundred photos of Abby’s artwork. It is pretty cool to look back on her progress and see just how far she has come with her creativity.
As time marches on I really want to encourage Abby’s artist abilities more and more. I want to put new materials in her hands that she can explore and just create whatever she wants to create. It doesn’t matter if it’s a story or a sculpture I just want her to use that imagination of hers and just create.
Another piece of creativity that we have been experimenting with over the last year or so is Abby’s YouTube show called Abby Doodles TV. The last few months have not been the best for us in terms of making videos but we are working on a new season with a new format that we hope will really be exciting. We have just a few more episodes for season one so be on the lookout for those coming down the pipe.
I encourage all parents to get creative with their children. You do not need to have the best paints, markers, crayons, etc… You can use dirt, oil, or whatever! Get creative! Turn an egg carton into a bus, or a box into a house. The possibilities are endless, just let your child take the reigns of the project and help facilitate their needs. Cut a square if that’s what they need, let them direct you! Most importantly, do not tell them they are doing something wrong in regards to creating art, there is no wrong or right way to create. When you bring in negativity and rules then you start to tear down the creative process and it becomes more instructional based. If you want your child to follow instructions you need to start off with instructions, not bring them in after you are already knee deep in glue.
Ask your child what it is they are making and how they are making it. Have them describe the steps used to get from point A to point B. Just don’t forget to have fun with your projects. Don’t stress over the mess, it can be cleaned later, and don’t forget to take pictures!
Do you have an awesome art project your child has created? Share below or send us a message on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!
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She has some nice work
Good for you for encouraging her.