Parenting Thought

Five Things that Art Does for Kids

1. When children do art, they have to think for themselves. One stroke a picture does not make. One note a song does not make. All types of art require decision after decision.
2. Because art requires lots of decisions, it can help children learn to make wise decisions or become what one young man calls  “a good chooser.”
3. Art takes time to unfold. Children must stick with it and persevere. If they don’t, they won’t get the satisfaction of seeing their final product. Art helps children be determined and not give up.
4. When children do art, they must focus. It takes attention and concentration to get ideas from their heads through their muscles and nerves and onto a page or a stage. Art helps children become focused.
5. Lastly, art can help children become good problem solvers. Art is a problem by definition – how to change raw material like paint, clay, or parts of an instrument into something completely different and new.
   

    (See The Benefits of Art, Choices, and Discipline: Part I  for more about kids and art.)

Autumn’s Picture Books

We have been amazed at how much good parenting information is in children’s picture books – books that we hope you are reading everyday to the children in your lives – your own, your class, those you take care of.  For each book, we are noting there is something in it to remind you of how to be the parent you want to be.

• BECAUSE I’M YOUR DAD by Amet Zappa

A reminder that Dad’s are important with many ideas about how to play with and just be with your child

• LET’S GO, HUGO! by Angela Dominguez

A reminder that fear can be overcome and that being a trusted friend is helpful when your child is afraid

• NURSE CLEMENTINE by Simon James

A reminder that holiday gifts should show that you know your child really well and that if what your child wants is safe and affordable, it is a good gift – no matter how small or how unusual

• SUKI & MIRABELLA by Carmela and Steven D’Amico

A reminder of the dangers of overindulgence and out-of-control competition.

Read All About It:

The Benefits of Art, Choices, and Discipline: Part I 

SELF-ESTEEM A FAMILY AFFAIR, Jean Illsley Clarke

GROWING UP AGAIN: PARENTING OURSELVES, PARENTING OUR CHILDREN, Jean Illsley Clarke and Connie Dawson

Surf the Internet:

self-esteem

art for children

determination

children as decision-makers

children’s attention span

children as problem-solvers