How to Easily Instill an Artistic Sense in Your Kids

Nobel Prize Art in Childhood

Art is a crucial element in childhood development, as it fosters creativity and emotional intelligence. However as parents, our schedules can get hectic, making it challenging to prioritize artistic development for our children.

It wasn’t until I became an adult that I realized something remarkable—every one of the books my grandmother gifted me annually during childhood had won the Nobel Prize in Literature. Dickens' Christmas Carol and Pearl Buck’s The Good Earth, just to name a few. As a child, I simply enjoyed the stories, unaware of their global significance. Looking back, I’m deeply surprised and moved by her quiet intention. Those simplified versions of literary masterpieces didn’t just entertain me—they planted the seeds of a lifelong passion for reading.

Finding Time to Introduce Art is Easy

I often feel a sense of regret that I haven’t been able to dedicate as much time to inspiring my daughter as my grandmother once did for me. But I’ve come to realize that even small gestures can leave a lasting impact. Perhaps my grandmother simply took a little time—just once a year—to check the newspaper and see who had won the Nobel Prize, then ordered simplified versions of those books to nurture my love for literature. These were simple, thoughtful actions—things anyone could do—but they shaped my life in a meaningful way.

You don’t need elaborate plans. From literature to dance and visual art, simply finding quality pieces that excite you can be a wonderful way to start.

Quality over Quantity

The selection of artistic materials can have a profound impact on your child’s experience with art. Whether it’s through reading literature, attending ballet performances, or playing music, it’s about choosing works that will inspire your child. Research and pick out top-tier art pieces. These may include children’s adaptations of classic literature or local artistic performances that represent various cultures. Remember, the engagement level depends on how you present these artistic materials to your child.

In my journey of guiding my daughter towards artistic appreciation, I realized the significance of quality over quantity. We can learn from my grandmother, who, despite being a working woman, dedicated her time to curate wonderful literary gifts that made a difference in my music composition career. While I focused on my daughter’s ballet training, there’s still so much more I could have introduced her to. Hence, taking a little time to reflect on the forms of art you wish to instill in your children could transform their understanding and emotional depth in those areas.

At the end of the day, the results of instilling an artistic sense in children can be infinite. By carefully choosing the right artistic materials and actively making time to share them, parents can build a rich foundation for their children's cultural and emotional growth. It is never too late to start introducing art, and the rewards of this endeavor will resonate throughout their lives.