Cultivating Creativity in Kids

All of us are born artists. Yet, if you ask most people, they will vividly recall the moment they

forgot this, the moment they began to think their art wasn’t “good enough.” Often, this memory is

strongly tied to someone in their life, cementing the idea that good art only comes in a certain

package. With that turning point, kids walk away from play-based creativity, and often art

entirely.

It’s not just artists that we lose to this reality, but kids’ confidence and awareness as well.

While my art background is disciplined and thematic, I take a much different approach when I

work with kids. I believe the creative process is sacred, and I honor children’s decision-making,

judgments and the ability to be independent. I let technique take a back seat to the creative

force that takes over a room.

When children are engaged with their art - when children have agency in what they are creating

- you can feel that energy in a room. Ideas become contagious. What starts with one child’s

concept takes off, with all the children talking and sharing ideas and processes. Soon, it has

taken on a life of its own. When this happens, I stand back in awe and take on the role of

observer and helper. I might ask them questions to get them to verbalize their ideas, or act as a

sounding board as they are thinking through a concept. Occasionally, I will step in to help if an

adult tool is needed to accomplish the task, like using sharper scissors to cut through

cardboard, but otherwise the kids run the show.

There is plenty of time in their life to learn techniques around art or to do fun project-based art,

but without the creative foundation, they will lack the confidence and voice. When adults don’t

get in their way, children create unique and beautiful pieces, always more lovely than I could

have envisioned.

Stay humble and let children be your guide! You’ll be amazed at what happens.