Confidence and character: drawing for kids
Growth mindset, pride, practice and what to say when a kid says "I can't draw". 16 posts, each with an activity to try and one of Kevin Coulston’s drawing books.
- Growth Mindset for Kids, Taught With a PencilDrawing is one of the clearest ways to show kids that practice makes them better. Learn how to teach growth mindset with a pencil and a sketchbook.
- When Your Kid Says I Can't Draw"I can't draw!" is a common cry. Here's what it really means, what to say back, and how easy step-by-step lessons can turn it into "I drew that!"
- How to Praise Your Child's Drawings (and What to Skip)"That's beautiful!" isn't always the best response to a child's drawing. Learn how to praise kids' art in ways that build confidence and motivation.
- Drawing Gives Kids Courage to Try New ThingsKids who learn they can draw something new learn they can try new things. See how drawing builds everyday courage and willingness to take small risks.
- My Sister Draws Better: Handling Sibling Comparison"My sister draws better than me!" Sibling comparison can crush a kid's love of art. Here's how to handle it and help every child feel like an artist.
- Earned Pride: Why Finishing a Drawing Feels So GoodFinishing a hard drawing gives kids earned pride, the good kind that comes from effort. Learn why it matters and how to create those moments.
- Teaching Responsibility With an Art Supply BoxA personal art supply box teaches kids responsibility: caring for tools, tidying up and planning ahead. Here's how to set one up and what to put in it.
- Drawing and Delayed Gratification in a Fast WorldIn a world of instant everything, drawing teaches kids to wait for a reward. Learn how slow, step-by-step and grid drawing build delayed gratification.
- How Kids Learn the Value of Practice by DrawingKids who draw regularly learn a big life lesson: practice works. Here's how to build a simple daily drawing habit and make progress easy to see.
- Self-Discipline Without the Lecture: Daily DrawingSelf-discipline grows from small daily commitments. A short daily drawing routine teaches kids to start, stick with it and finish, without a lecture.
- Teaching Kids to Take Feedback on Their ArtLearning to take feedback is a life skill. Drawing offers safe, low-stakes practice. Here's how to give kids feedback on art without hurting confidence.
- Drawing for Others: Cards, Gifts and KindnessDrawing for others teaches kids kindness and generosity. Try handmade cards, cheer-up drawings and gift art that kids can give to friends and family.
- Erase, Redraw, Repeat: Drawing and ResilienceResilience means bouncing back. Drawing gives kids endless chances to erase, redraw and try again. Learn how to build resilience one drawing at a time.
- For Competitive Kids: Drawing Challenges That HelpCompetitive kids love a challenge. Use timed drawing games, personal bests and shape challenges to channel competitiveness into creativity and growth.
- Copying, Credit and Originality: Talking to KidsIs copying a drawing cheating? Here's how to talk to kids about learning by copying, giving credit and finding their own original style over time.
- I'm Bored! Why Boredom Plus a Pencil Is a Gift"I'm bored!" isn't a problem to solve. Boredom plus a pencil can spark creativity. Learn why boredom matters and how to turn it into drawing time.