I Allow My Kids to Create Art on the Walls. Yes, You Read That Correctly.

When I was expecting my first child many years ago, I envisioned our home as a nurturing space that celebrated creativity. I wasn’t exactly sure how I would cultivate that environment, but I recognized that art could open doors to learning—a goal I still hold dear.

Eventually, this vision led to the decision to let my kids draw on the walls. And honestly, I love it! I often crouch down with a crayon in hand, joining them in their artistic adventures. Why wouldn’t I?

Establishing Guidelines

Now, before you raise an eyebrow at my unconventional parenting style, let me assure you that we have firm guidelines in place. My husband and I expect our children to take on responsibilities appropriate for their ages, to be kind and respectful, and to help tidy up after their creative sessions.

Designated Creative Spaces

To provide a safe space for their artistic expressions, we created designated areas in our home. For instance, in the kitchen, we have a basket of washable markers next to our fridge, which acts as a giant canvas. In the dining room, we’ve taped large sheets of paper (cut from paper bags) to the walls for their epic murals. And in the bathroom, we toss washable crayons into the tub, allowing them to scribble freely on the enamel walls. Thankfully, the washable wax cleans up quicker than my kids do!

Understanding Boundaries

Importantly, our kids understand the boundaries of their creativity. They know that they can’t draw on walls or furniture outside our home, at friends’ places, or in school. With these limits in place, they appreciate the privilege of expressing themselves artistically without overstepping.

Challenges Along the Way

Of course, there have been a few hiccups along the way. One of my children once decided to test his spelling skills with a not-so-appropriate word right on the fridge. We missed it at first, hidden behind layers of ninja and sword artwork, but our neighbors didn’t. Oops!

Another challenge arises when my kids’ friends visit. Parents often feel uneasy about allowing their children to draw on the walls, fearing they’ll mimic that behavior at home. My response? “That’s not my concern.” When you visit our family, you’re stepping into our culture, which includes wall art!

The Benefits of Artistic Freedom

The best part of this artistic freedom is that the kids constantly talk about their creations. From a young age, they’ve been able to describe shapes, colors, and the stories behind their artwork. This not only fosters their creativity but also enhances their understanding of art theory, geometry, and literacy.

As a result of this creative exploration, my children have developed a genuine love for learning. My oldest son frequently receives notes on his report card praising his enthusiasm for storytelling and art. His math and literacy skills are above average, and he recently joined an afterschool program focused on science and math problem-solving. His intelligence truly shines, and I attribute much of that to his early exposure to art.

When children are encouraged to express their ideas and emotions through art, they gain confidence in their ability to communicate creatively. This empowerment fosters growth and learning, expanding their minds and nurturing their empathy and compassion.

Conclusion

So, when family or friends give me puzzled looks at our home’s art gallery, I simply shrug it off. I can see the positive impact of art on my kids, and that’s what truly matters.

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In summary, allowing my children to express themselves artistically on our walls has been a rewarding experience that nurtures their creativity and love of learning while teaching them responsibility.