My Kid Hates Art: Finding Their Way In
"I hate art!" Some kids resist drawing. Here's how to find their way in, through interests, humor, challenges and building, without forcing it.
Kids who say they hate art usually have not found their way in yet. Connecting drawing to what they love, like robots, sports, dinosaurs or games, and offering challenges instead of "art projects" can change their mind. Forcing it rarely works.
"I hate art" often means "I don't like being judged" or "I'd rather do something else." It is rarely about drawing itself.
Find the real reason
- Fear of failure? Offer easy wins.
- Boredom? Offer challenges.
- Restlessness? Offer big, active drawing.
- Wrong subjects? Offer their interests.
Connect to interests
- Robots and machines. Design inventions.
- Sports. Draw plays, team logos, uniforms.
- Video games. Design levels and characters.
- Dinosaurs. Draw battles and timelines.
How to Draw: Robot Dinosaurs is a great way in for kids who think art is boring. Robotic T. rexes are cool, not "arty", and kids who would never draw flowers will happily draw a mech-dino.
Call it something else
"Design," "invent," "blueprint" and "plan" can feel more appealing than "art."
Challenges, not projects
- Draw a robot in under five minutes.
- Design a creature that could survive on Mars.
- Copy this drawing square by square.
Do not force it
Forcing a child to draw can make them dislike it more. Invite, offer and let them come to it. See reluctant drawer? and boys who won't draw?.
Questions parents ask
What do I do if my child hates art?
Find out why, connect drawing to their interests, call it design or inventing and offer challenges instead of art projects.
Should I force my child to draw?
No. Forcing usually backfires. Invite them with interesting subjects and let them choose.
What can kids who don't like art draw?
Robots, inventions, sports plays, video game levels and dinosaurs often appeal to kids who think art is boring.
More in every kind of learner, or browse all 217 posts on the blog.
Keep reading
- Slow Down! Step-by-Step Drawing for Impulsive KidsImpulsive kids rush through drawings. Step-by-step drawing gives them a built-in pause button. Tips for helping kids slow down and finish.
- Why Grid Drawing Suits Careful, Anxious KidsCareful, anxious kids often love grid drawing. Its calm, square-by-square method gives control and predictability. Here's why it suits them.
- Bold Lines: Drawing Ideas for Kids With Low VisionKids with low vision can enjoy drawing with bold lines, high contrast and the right tools. Practical drawing ideas and adaptations for families.
- Boys Who Won't Draw? Try Robots and MonstersSome boys avoid drawing because they think it's not for them. Robots, monsters and dinosaurs can change that. Tips to win over reluctant boys.
