Creative Confidence: Raising a Kid Who Makes Things
Creative confidence is believing you can make things. Learn how drawing builds a maker mindset in kids, and how parents can nurture it at home.
Creative confidence is the belief that you can create things and solve problems in new ways. Drawing builds it because every finished picture is proof that the child can turn an idea into something real. Kids with creative confidence are more willing to try, share and invent.
Many adults say they are "not creative". Often, that belief started in childhood, when someone laughed at a drawing or they decided they were not an artist. Creative confidence is about keeping that belief from forming.
What creative confidence looks like
- Trying new ideas without fear
- Sharing work with others
- Seeing mistakes as part of the process
- Starting projects independently
- Believing "I can make that"
Drawing builds the foundation
Drawing is often a child's first creative act. When it goes well, kids learn they are makers. When it goes badly, they may decide they are not creative. That is why early drawing experiences matter.
A book full of variety
How to Draw: Cool Stuff mixes monsters, aliens and robots, giving kids a wide range of things they can successfully draw. The more different things they can make, the more creatively confident they become.
How parents can nurture it
- Make things together. Drawing, building, cooking.
- Value the process. Ask about how they made it, not just what it is.
- Share your own creativity. Even if you think you are not artistic.
- Display their work. It signals that their creations matter.
- Let them lead. Give choice in what to make.
Beyond drawing
Creative confidence spreads. Kids who believe they can draw often believe they can build, write, design and solve problems. For more, see growth mindset for kids.
Questions parents ask
What is creative confidence?
It is the belief that you can create things and solve problems in new and original ways.
How can I build my child's creative confidence?
Make things together, value the process, display their work and let them choose what to create.
Can a child lose creative confidence?
Yes. Harsh criticism or comparison can make children decide they are "not creative." Supportive early experiences help prevent that.
More in creativity and imagination, or browse all 217 posts on the blog.
Keep reading
- 50 What If Drawing Prompts for KidsNeed drawing ideas for kids? Here are 50 "what if" drawing prompts that spark imagination, laughter and stories, perfect for home, school or travel.
- Turn Letters Into Monsters: An Alphabet Art GameTurn letters into monsters! This alphabet drawing game helps kids learn letter shapes and sounds while inventing silly creatures. Ideas for A to Z.
- How Drawing Grows a Child's ImaginationDrawing is one of the best ways to grow a child's imagination. Learn how drawing turns ideas into images, plus prompts that stretch young imaginations.
- Drawing Conversation Starters for Quiet KidsQuiet kids often open up while drawing. Try these drawing conversation starters that help reserved children share thoughts, feelings and stories.
