Fostering creativity in our children is something that every parent knows is important. But there are so many additional benefits that come with engrossing your kiddo in the arts!
What are the benefits of engaging your child in the arts?
Our friends at WeTheParents.org have written a fantastic article that outlines 12 scientific studies about how arts can benefit your child. By ensuring that artistic expression makes up a significant portion of your little one’s childhood, you can help them with everything from self-esteem to doing better in school.
“Science has linked the arts with numerous physical, social, and cognitive benefits for kids, so the time they spend singing, dancing, painting, drawing, acting, and engaging in other creative activities actively contributes to their whole-child development,” says Neve Spicer, of WeTheParents.org.
What makes up “the arts”?
There’s no hard and fast rule when it comes to creativity. Your child may love to color or create with glue and glitter. Others may love turning pots and pans into musical instruments or using their stuffed animals to put on a play! When thinking about activities to help expand creativity, try these categories:
- Painting or coloring
- Pottery or other 3D art
- Sand art
- Chalk art
- Jewelry making
- Sewing
- Playing musical instruments
- Singing
- Dancing
- Theater
- Puppetry
How can I incorporate the arts into my child’s life?
While most public and private schools include some sort of “art” in their curriculum, it’s no secret that creative class offerings have steadily fallen by the wayside in favor of focusing on standardized testing.
Parents, grandparents, and other adults can help bridge the gap by encouraging artful activities outside of the classroom. GigSalad can be a great resource to include art-centric performers in special events like birthday parties, school festivals, community gatherings, church events, and more. Next time you help plan a kid-friendly function, think about booking something like these:
- Arts and crafts party
- Painting party
- Children’s music
- Storyteller
- Children’s theatre
- Traveling theatre
- Murder mystery
- Puppet show
- Ventriloquist
- Educational entertainment
- Science party
Book Children’s Musician Will Parker on GigSalad!
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Ready to book something awesome for your kiddo? Find the best at GigSalad.
Megan is the Director of Customer Experience at GigSalad and has gained 9+ years of insight on what makes a great event on both sides of the booking process. Her favorite things include books, true crime podcasts, coffee, hiking, puns, and making people laugh.