5 Ways to Inspire Self-Expression in Children

Let’s face it. Having children is hard work. And we know most of us want our children to become self-sufficient and successful (whatever your definition of success is!). With their brains and habits beginning to develop at a young age, one thing we can all do to set them up for success is to encourage Self-Expression at a young age. Here are 5 easy things that will make big changes.

1) Let them chose their clothing in the morning: Provided the clothing is weather appropriate and clean, let them go to town with this. Let them style the clothes however they wish too. I can’t tell you how many days I’ve walked my son to school with his sweatpants tucked into his socks and socks pulled up just below the knee. Where did he learn to do this?!? I cringe, but I also know that’s exactly how he wants it.

2) Avoid art supplies that give too much direction: These are things like coloring books, precut models, and craft kits. While these certainly are fun for kids they don’t provide much room for true self-expression due to the amount of directions one must follow. Instead chose items with less restrictions such as basic paper, markers, scissors and glue. We obviously encourage use of our Adventure Books as well!

3) Get out in nature: The world we live in is inspirational to all of us. Get out there and explore! On hikes I’ll encourage my son to bring a toy or find some sort of object like a stick that he uses to interact with the trees, grasses and hills. If you can’t get out into nature, walk around the neighborhood. One of my son’s favorite things to do is walk around our neighborhood collecting sticks. He comes home and takes them into the backyard and uses them in whatever imaginative play sequence he’s performing.

4) Give them opportunities to chose: Let them chose what’s for dinner. You might also not have to fight to eat vegetables if you let them chose what’s for dinner. Give them a list of summertime activities or camps to chose from. I have found my child will often argue because he doesn’t feel like he has a voice in the family. This one gives them that voice even if mom and dad are curating the list for them to select from.

5) Change how you critique their art: Often times it’s hard to decipher what a child is drawing. Have any of you asked “What is that?” or “Is that a dinosaur?” only for them to respond with, “No Daddy, I drew a picture of you”? I know I have! Instead, tell them how you like the colors they used, or how you like the amount of detail or effort they put into their work. And let them tell you the subject of their work.

Let us know in the comments what you do to inspire Self-Expression in your children.

Make today the day to Seize the Bug!