Last month, my daughter’s pre-K class assigned a diorama project, and I’ll admit my first thought was, “Oh great, just what I needed—another item on my to-do list! Why didn’t I keep that shoebox?” But after scavenging for another box (seriously, my kids’ feet grow at lightning speed!), I had a revelation: this is an art project for 4-year-olds, and it doesn’t need to be a masterpiece. I decided to share the assignment with my daughter and use materials we already had around the house.
The kids were exploring habitats, learning about where different creatures and people live. My daughter chose our living room, and with some help from her dad, she sketched the walls and furniture. Then, she rummaged through her toys, picking out the ones that fit in the shoebox, asking me to tape them in. It might have seemed odd to send her to school with a box of toys, but to her, it was a heartfelt representation of her world.
But when I dropped it off, I was stunned by the other projects. Most were elaborate and far more intricate than hers. One showcased a frog’s habitat, complete with felt lily pads and a list of fascinating frog facts. Another featured a handmade bird’s nest with what looked like genuine blue jay eggs. While a couple of dioramas had that unmistakable pre-K charm—messy scribbles and crooked glue jobs—most could easily be mistaken for something you’d find on Pinterest.
Now, I understand that at this age, kids can’t do everything alone; my daughter certainly needed assistance. However, stepping into that classroom felt like entering an exhibit of parental prowess masquerading as preschool creativity.
Before I spiraled into a rant about helicopter parenting, I took a moment to reflect. I completely understand the urge to get involved in our children’s projects, whether it’s art, science, or homework. Many of us have a relentless drive for perfection. Plus, let’s face it, getting little ones to complete anything on a deadline can be frustrating, and it’s often way easier to just take over.
Trusting a kid under 7 with art supplies can feel like a risky endeavor—especially when glue and glitter come into play (full disclosure: glitter is banned in my house). Deep down, it often boils down to wanting our children to shine. When they do well, we feel good too.
The truth is that when parents take the reins on these projects, it doesn’t benefit anyone. Kids need to learn to express themselves, even if their work isn’t overly impressive. We must ask ourselves whether we’re “helping” for their benefit or our own. If it’s just to showcase their talents and boost our egos, we need to step back and let them enjoy their creative process.
As someone who values creativity, I have a soft spot for art projects. Pablo Picasso nailed it when he said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” Children have a natural flair for creativity, and it’s our job to nurture that. This means allowing them to create the messiest and most genuine works of art, even if they’re displayed outside our homes. We should only step in when they specifically ask for assistance.
I know most kids won’t grow up to be the next Picasso, but whether or not they choose art as their career, it’s crucial for them to cultivate their unique means of expression. This fosters essential life skills that are valuable in nearly every profession. Confidence in self-expression is vital in today’s world.
Most importantly, we need to let our kids be kids. It’s the greatest gift we can give them, even if it means our homes are occasionally transformed into glittery disaster zones.
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Summary
It’s crucial for parents to allow their children to take ownership of their school projects without over-involvement. Kids thrive when given the freedom to express themselves creatively, and it’s our job to support them without overshadowing their efforts. Let’s embrace the messiness of childhood creativity and encourage our little ones to shine in their own unique ways.