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Dads Who Can't Draw: Draw With Your Kids Anyway

Dads who "can't draw" can still be great drawing partners. Here's why kids love drawing with Dad and easy ways to start, even with zero art skills.

By Kevin Coulston, author and illustrator of 88 children’s art books · · 2 min read

Dads who think they cannot draw are often the best drawing partners, because kids love seeing a parent try something new and laugh at wobbly results. Step-by-step books make it easy for anyone to start, and robots and dinosaurs are crowd-pleasers for dads and kids alike.

Many dads say they "can't draw" and step aside when the crayons come out. That is a missed opportunity. Kids do not need an expert. They need a partner.

Why drawing with Dad matters

  • Modeling. Kids see that adults try new things and make mistakes.
  • Quality time. Side-by-side activities often lead to great conversations.
  • Fun. A dad's wobbly T. rex is hilarious.
  • Learning together. Being beginners together is bonding.

Start with something cool

Pick a subject everyone is excited about. How to Draw: Robot Dinosaurs combines two kid favorites, and dads tend to love them too. The step-by-step lessons break each drawing into six manageable steps, so even a total beginner ends up with something impressive.

Easy drawing activities for dads

  • Drawing duel. Both draw the same lesson, then compare (and laugh).
  • Comic team. Dad writes the jokes, kid draws.
  • Invention lab. Design crazy machines together.
  • Sports cartoons. Draw favorite athletes or teams as cartoon characters.

Let the kid teach

Once your child knows how to draw something, ask them to teach you. Kids love being the expert, and it reinforces their own learning.

Make it a ritual

A weekly drawing night, a Saturday morning comic, or drawing at the coffee shop on errands: small rituals add up to big memories. For more, see never too late: parents learning to draw.

Questions parents ask

How can dads draw with their kids if they can't draw?

Use step-by-step drawing books, pick subjects you both enjoy and embrace imperfect results. Kids care about time together, not skill.

What should dads and kids draw together?

Robots, dinosaurs, cars, sports characters and inventions are popular and fun to draw together.

Why is it good for kids to see parents make mistakes?

It shows that mistakes are a normal part of learning and that trying new things is worth it.

More in friends, family and talking, or browse all 217 posts on the blog.

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