It may sound unconventional, but it’s true—I let my kids draw on the walls. When I first learned I was expecting, I envisioned a home that fosters creativity and exploration. While I didn’t have a clear plan initially, I recognized that art serves as a gateway to learning, which is ultimately what I strive for.
This vision led to the decision to permit my children to express themselves through wall art. I often find myself joining in, crayons in hand, because why not embrace the fun?
Establishing Guidelines
Our household operates with clear guidelines. So before you judge my parenting style, let me clarify that our rules are well-defined. My partner, Mark, and I expect our kids to take responsibility for their actions based on their ages. Kindness and respect are non-negotiable, along with the expectation that they help tidy up after their artistic endeavors.
Designated Safe Zones
To ensure our children value the privilege of drawing on walls, we created designated safe zones throughout our home. In the kitchen, we have a basket of washable markers positioned next to the refrigerator, which we treat like a giant canvas.
In the dining room, we attach large sheets of paper—recycled paper bags—onto the walls for their creative murals. And in the bathroom, we toss in washable crayons for them to doodle on the tub’s enamel walls, which clean up faster than the kids do!
Setting Boundaries
Importantly, my children understand that public spaces, friends’ homes, or school are off-limits for wall art. By establishing strict boundaries, they recognize that any stray marks could lead to losing this special privilege.
Challenges Along the Way
Of course, there have been hiccups along the way. One of my children decided to experiment with spelling a swear word—and did so right in the middle of the fridge! We were oblivious, as the word was hidden among a collage of ninja drawings. But guess who spotted it? Our neighbors. Oops.
Another challenge arises when my kids’ friends visit. Parents often feel uneasy about allowing their children to draw on walls elsewhere, fearing the same will happen at their own homes. To that, I say, “Not my problem.” When you visit us, you immerse yourself in our family culture, which includes wall art.
The Benefits of Artistic Expression
The beauty of this arrangement is that the kids’ artwork is always on display, inviting conversations. From a young age, they’ve been able to describe shapes and colors, weaving stories into their creations. This experience merges art theory, geometry, and literacy into one engaging activity!
This creative exploration has instilled a love of learning in my children. My eldest son consistently receives feedback on his report card about how much he enjoys sharing storytelling and artistic skills with his peers. His math and literacy abilities are above average, and he’s even joined an afterschool program focused on science and math. I believe that art planted the seeds for his passion for learning.
When children are encouraged to articulate their thoughts and feelings through art, they develop a powerful means of self-expression that fosters growth and knowledge acquisition. Their minds expand, and their hearts grow, cultivating tolerance and compassion, ultimately guiding them toward their passions.
Conclusion
So when family or friends raise an eyebrow at our in-home art gallery, I simply ignore it. I can see the positive impact art has on my kids.
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Summary
In this article, Jessica Lee shares her unconventional parenting approach of allowing her children to draw on the walls, emphasizing creativity’s role in learning. By establishing rules and designated areas for artistic expression, she promotes responsibility and respect in her children. The freedom to create has fostered a love of learning and self-expression, benefiting her kids in various ways.