DIY is more than a hobby

2023 Author: Anita Thornton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 18:44

There is no age to create. Deep inside each of us lies an artist. Drawing, painting, sculpting… all these recreational activities are not futile. On the contrary, they would have very positive effects, especially in children.

Psychotherapy through art is recognized as an effective treatment for anxiety and relationship difficulties. However, the positive applications of arts and crafts are also felt in children, beyond the formal therapeutic setting.

For the child, DIY is more than just a hobby. From the age of 18 months, he is able to hold a pencil and do some daubing and although his creations are still far from real drawings, the activity allows him to understand the world around him and to perfect some -some of his skills, such as fine motor skills and assertiveness.

Self-esteem

self-esteem is, among other things, the cornerstone of school motivation. Knowing his personal value is his strengths, it is a driving force that leads the child to investin school activities and to persevere.

Art, in all its forms, allows children to express themselves and achieve their full potential. Once his masterpiece is finished, no matter the difficulties encountered (we are not all equal in raw talent), the little one will be proud to present the fruit of his labor. Especially if he is rewarded with parental compliments.

Stimulated creativity

Everyone, at some point, has to be creative. Whatever the profession, whether you are an artist, accountant, cook or doctor, having the ability to find solutions and reinvent yourself is a must. Fortunately, creativity can be cultivated.

From one craft to another, the child exercises this precious creativity. The more he uses his imagination, the easier it will be to invent and create. According to P. Torrance (American psychologist), there is a decrease in creativity in children aged 5, 9-10 and 13 years old. These creative falls would be associated with different changes of environment and a certain desire for social conformity. It would therefore not be worrying to see children abandon artistic activities a little during these periods.

Calm settles

Cut out, color, draw lines… all these little gestures have something hypnotic, soothing about them. Even in hyperactive children, art will often have a positive effect. Concentrating, soaking up, and completely surrendering to an activity like drawing also regulates the emotions.

Expressing emotions

A simple drawing can bring a beautiful emotion to the child or help him express negative feelings. More importantly, art helps the child to understand how he feels to regulate his emotions.

The pride of reproducing what he had in mind, that of seeing the adult display his work or even the possibility of putting down on paper in a rather instinctive way what he feels, all of this has a virtue therapeutic.

Do-it-yourself, a factor in academic success

As mentioned before, art in general contributes to self-esteem. The latter is a sine qua non for academic success since it is from it that the desire to get involved starts.

Art would also have an impact on intellectual development since it would play a leading role in general thinking skills and problem solving.

In addition to all the above, DIY is also a great excuse to spend some quality family time. No matter the talent: isn't it important to participate?

Sources: Art enrichment and emotion expression and regulation for young at risk, Super Prof, the Central School Cooperation Office, Humanities, Making a difference.