It’s true—I really do. When I first learned I was expecting many years ago, I envisioned our home as a nurturing environment where creativity would thrive. At that time, I wasn’t entirely sure how to implement this vision, but I understood that art could serve as a gateway to learning—my ultimate objective.
This led to the decision to let my kids draw on the walls. And you know what? I actively participate! I grab a crayon and dive right in alongside them. Why wouldn’t I?
Of course, we have guidelines in our household. So before you shake your head at my laid-back parenting approach, let me clarify that our rules are quite solid. My partner and I expect our children to learn and exhibit responsibility appropriate for their ages. We also emphasize kindness and respect, and we require them to help clean up after their artistic endeavors.
To ensure our kids truly value the freedom of drawing on the walls, we established designated areas in our home. In the kitchen, we keep a basket of washable markers next to the refrigerator, which is white and essentially serves as a massive canvas.
In the dining room, we tape large sheets of paper (repurposed paper bags) to the walls for their creative murals. And in the bathroom, we toss in some washable crayons for them to scribble on the enamel walls while bathing. Thankfully, the washable wax cleans up quicker than my kids do!
Our children understand that they cannot draw on walls or tables in public, at friends’ houses, or at school. By setting strict boundaries around where they can express their creativity, they are aware that straying from these rules could result in losing this fun privilege.
Of course, there have been some hiccups. One of my kids decided to experiment with spelling a not-so-pleasant word right on the fridge. We missed it initially, hidden among the countless drawings of superheroes, but our neighbors certainly noticed. Whoops!
Another challenge arises when their friends visit. The parents often seem tense about allowing their kids to draw on the walls at someone else’s home, which sometimes leads to awkward moments. But to that, I say, “Not my concern.” When you visit our home, you experience our family culture, and part of that culture involves artistic expression on the walls.
The most rewarding aspect of this approach is that the children are constantly discussing their artwork or being prompted to describe it. At a young age, they can articulate shapes and colors, sharing animated narratives about the stories they’re depicting. That’s art theory, geometry, and literacy all rolled into one, folks!
This creative outlet has fostered a love for learning. Each term, I receive notes on my oldest son’s report card highlighting how much he enjoys teaching his peers about storytelling and art. His math and reading skills are above average, and he’s even joined an afterschool program focused on science and math to tackle real-world challenges. This kid is incredibly bright, and I believe that art has been the catalyst for his enthusiasm for learning.
When children are encouraged to explore their ideas and emotions through art, they feel empowered to express themselves creatively. This nurturing leads to cognitive growth and emotional development, making their minds fuller of knowledge and their hearts more open to tolerance and compassion.
So, when family or friends give me the side-eye at our in-home art gallery, I simply ignore it. I can clearly see the benefits that art brings to my children.
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Summary
In conclusion, embracing creativity by allowing children to draw on the walls fosters artistic expression and learning. With established guidelines and designated areas for creativity, children can explore their artistic talents while developing essential skills. This approach not only enriches their educational journey but also nurtures their emotional growth.