5 Reasons Parents Should Encourage Art

In their book Your Brain on Art, Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross explain how creativity changes the brain and helps people flourish. For children, the benefits are especially powerful. Here are five reasons parents should make space for art at home:

1. Art helps kids express emotions.

Children often feel things more strongly than they can explain. Drawing, painting, or sculpting gives them an outlet for big feelings. The creative process itself releases calming brain chemicals that ease stress and promote well-being.

2. Art supports learning and focus.

Hands-on activities like coloring or cutting paper sharpen fine motor skills. Even more importantly, creative play strengthens executive function—the ability to plan, focus, and solve problems—which directly supports success in school.

3. Art builds resilience.

Mistakes are part of making art. When children experiment with a new material or start over, they learn to handle frustration and keep going. This safe practice in flexibility builds confidence and perseverance.

4. Art sparks creativity and imagination.

From turning a cardboard box into a rocket ship to inventing a new creature, art encourages curiosity and out-of-the-box thinking. These skills stay with children into adulthood, helping them adapt to an ever-changing world.

5. Art strengthens family bonds.

Creative time together—whether it’s making holiday crafts, painting side-by-side, or visiting a museum—helps children feel connected and valued. It also shows them that their ideas and imagination matter.

The takeaway? Art isn’t just fun—it’s a vital part of childhood growth. By encouraging creativity at home, parents give their children tools for learning, resilience, and joy.