Art is so good for children for a lot of reasons. But we at Bundabubs believe that art is so good for children's mental health in particular.
Why?
Here are our top 3 reasons why art is so good for children's mental health.
Freedom to express themselves
It starts with the freedom children have whilst doing art. They are free to creatively express themselves, explore how art can make them feel and how they can make the audience feel. Children can communicate feelings and emotions through art which otherwise may go unnoticed. This has the knock on effect of alerting adults around them to the fact that something might be wrong.
No right or wrong
Due to the very nature of art, it can boost children's self esteem as there are very few right or wrong ways to do it. At Bundabubs our art play classes are designed to allow children to take the lead on the artwork they want to create. Meaning they feel like they are achieving and successful more than feeling like they can't do it or it is too hard. This opens them up to trying new things and stepping out of otheir comfort zone which leads to learning new things when they are ready not because "at their age they should be able to do it."
Mindfulness
At Bundabubs we place an emphasis on mindfulness and creating a relaxed, safe environment for everyone to create in. By insisting on this environment we enable children to improve their concentration, learn to trust themselves with decision making, become independent.
And a little added extra just for you. Our favourite reason of all...
Wondering
My number 1 reason why art is so good for children's mental health is that it occupies your mind away from daily life and opens it up to wondering. This can be very relaxing for children who don't usually get time out to sit and think because their lives are busy or have lots of screentime. Having time to wonder aka being curious, and inquisitive means they are opening up their mind to learning new skills of reflection, questioning and problem solving.
Our classes begin with wondering time. We think about all of the things we've seen recently that could inspire our next piece of art. We open up our minds to thinking outside the box, imagining, envisioning and analysing. Skills we need to be an artist. Through wondering their mind opens up to new possibilities and ideas which then lead to creative thinking. This leads to risk taking as they think of new, interesting and exciting ideas. The more time that kids have to wonder, the more their imaginations turn into creative thoughts and ideas which they can put into action.
Have you ever watched a child wonder? It is so special. Seeing ideas spark as they take their Art time looking at their surroundings. Then tentatively they start to explore putting their idea into practise. As it develops they get more confident and try out other ideas. They are living completely in the present moment and envisioning something for the future. it is magic!
This is why we think that art is so good for children's mental health. What do you think?
We know all too well that carving out precious time to do arts and crafts in everyday life isn't always possible. This is where we come in!
Our classes are specifically designed to give children the time and space to wonder, explore & imagine and create something art work they are proud of. They learn to envision & trust their instincts; skills they can take with them into their everyday life.
We will be updating our with simple ideas for art at home too so keep following us!
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