Forget Sports and Video Games: What the Smartest Children Are Truly Interested In, Says Expert
Many parents link a child’s success in sports or tech with intelligence, but quieter creative pursuits, like painting, drawing, or sculpting, can shape a child’s mind in more profound ways.
According to child psychologist Dr. Laura Markham (Columbia University), artistic activities strengthen brain areas tied to problem-solving, emotional regulation, and imagination.
Art gives children a safe space to process big feelings and discover new perspectives, using color, shape, and texture long before they have the right words.
But around age 7, many children abandon creativity, comparing their work to others or feeling like they’re not “good” at art. The fix? Praise their process, not the result. Say: “I love how you used purple for the grass, it feels magical!” instead of “That dog looks perfect.”
5 Easy Ways to Make Art a Habit for Children
1. Ask Open-Ended Questions
Ditch “What is that?” and try “Tell me about this part.” It encourages storytelling, sparks confidence, and removes pressure to make something “perfect.”
2. Stock Simple Supplies
Keep paper, crayons, markers, and clay in visible, easy-to-reach spots. A bored child is much more likely to start doodling or building when the tools are ready.
3. Mix Art into Daily Life
Suggest fun, spontaneous projects, like drawing what they saw on a walk, making comics about their day, or crafting homemade birthday wrap.
4. Normalize “Ugly” Art
Show your messy sketches. Laugh at smudges and drips. Children need to see that creativity isn’t about perfection, it’s about play, process, and self-expression.
5. Connect Art to Their World
Tap into their passions. Love video games? Try pixel art. Into science? Sketch new planets or design imaginary inventions. When art reflects their interests, it sticks.
Creative children don’t just make art, they build confidence, adaptability, and innovative thinking that lasts a lifetime.
