I think it's because we give them total control over their creative decisions. Read on to find out more!
Why are kids so engaged in art play sessions? It's a control thing!
One thing I know about kids is that they are constantly battling for control. They want to be in control of something. Anything. It doesn't matter if it's a big thing or a small thing as long as they feel like they've got some control over it.
As parents it's so easy to take control over everything. It makes everything about 10 times quicker for a start. But what happens when we take over and control everything? Tantrums, back chat, stubborn-ness, arguments and total rejection of the rules. Basically, kids don't like it. I wouldn't like it either being told what to do all the time. It would drive me nuts.
So what can we do about it?
As a teacher it is easy for me to give kids control. I give them small jobs they can absolutely do that makes them feel helpful, needed and independent and allows me to do a bit of delegating. Win-win! But at home having time to fit this sort of thing in is tricky.
In my classes one of my favourite things is to watch new creators tranform from 'asking for permission' to 'being allowed'. They go from asking me all the time whether they can open the bottle, use the brush, stir the paint etc. to telling me that they are doing those things and why. When I say yes to their "can i?" it's like they get a little boost of confidence, a little bit more brave and they trust themselves a little bit more. They start trusting themselves and their decisions become bolder. It goes from "can I?" To "I am" and then they get lost in creativity and take control. They forget about testing the boundaries and just go with the flow. Which means no more tantrums or stubborn-ness. Until I tell them to pack away!
Share with me in the comments what you do to give your kids more control!
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