Believe it or not, it’s true! When I first found out I was pregnant ages ago, I envisioned our home as a nurturing space where creativity would flourish. Back then, I wasn’t entirely sure how to achieve that goal, but I understood that art could serve as a powerful means of learning—a key objective I still hold dear.
This eventually led to the decision to let my children draw on the walls, and honestly, I love it. I even get on my hands and knees, grab a crayon, and join in the fun. Why not?
Establishing Ground Rules
Of course, we have some ground rules in our home. So before you give me the side-eye for my laid-back parenting style, let me clarify: our guidelines are quite solid. My partner and I expect our kids to learn responsibility based on their ages, to show kindness and respect, and to help tidy up after their creative bouts.
To ensure that our kids genuinely appreciate the freedom of wall art, we established designated “art zones” around the house. In the kitchen, we keep a basket of washable markers next to the white refrigerator, which has become a makeshift whiteboard. In the dining room, we tape large sheets of paper (from old paper bags) to the walls for their grand masterpieces. And in the bathroom? We toss in washable crayons for them to doodle away on the tub walls. Trust me, the washable wax cleans up faster than my kids do!
Setting Boundaries
Our kiddos know not to scribble on walls or tables outside our home or at school, thanks to strict limits on where they can unleash their creativity. If they stray from these boundaries, they risk losing this fun freedom.
Of course, there have been a few hiccups. One kiddo decided to try out his spelling skills and ended up writing a swear word smack-dab on the fridge. We missed it at first, given the colorful chaos of ninja and sword drawings, but our neighbors definitely saw it. Oops!
Another challenge arises when their friends come over—there’s often tension from the parents about letting their kids draw on the walls at our place. To that, I say, “Not my problem.” When you visit our home, you’re experiencing our family culture, which includes wall art as a highlight!
The Benefits of Artistic Expression
The best part of this artistic adventure is that the artwork is always on display, sparking conversations and inspiring my kids to describe their creations. At young ages, they’re already articulating shapes, colors, and the stories behind their art. Talk about a trifecta of learning: art theory, geometry, and literacy all rolled into one!
This creative encouragement has fostered a genuine love for learning in my children. Every report card for my oldest son mentions how much he enjoys teaching others about storytelling and art. His math and literacy skills are above average, and he recently enrolled in an after-school program focused on science and math to tackle real-world problems. This kid is incredibly bright, and I firmly believe that the arts planted the seeds for his love of learning.
Encouraging children to express their ideas and feelings through art empowers them in unique ways, leading to personal growth and knowledge expansion. Their little brains are getting smarter by the day, while their hearts grow, fostering compassion and helping them discover their passions.
Embracing the Judgment
So when friends and family give me that judgmental look at our home gallery, I just shrug it off. I see the benefits of art in my kids every day.
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In summary, letting my kids draw on the walls may raise some eyebrows, but it’s a decision that fosters creativity, learning, and growth in ways that are invaluable.