How Valuable are ‘The Arts’ For my Child’s Development?

In considering the arts, we first have to decide what is meant by the term. Broadly speaking, the term encompasses all that involves the expression or application of creative skills and the use of the imagination.

Usually, the arts refer to the following –

• Painting
• Literature
• Sculpture
• Music
• Film
• Performance
• Architecture

Performance covers many related fields such as comedy, mime, dance etc. Whilst the term “painting” is a little too broad and many artists don’t paint or sculpt at all but may work exclusively with pencils, textiles or many other mediums. The point is however, that these skills are all incredibly important to humanity. Without painting, we’d have no Louvre. Without literature, there’d be no film or television or novels. Access to the arts is vital for all children and without it, life is noticeably poorer.

What does art actually do?

 It’s function was very well expressed by the famous Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy who said, “Art is the activity by which a person, having experienced an emotion, intentionally transmits it to others”.

When we consider that – which to be fair is just one opinion, but nonetheless, a very sensible one – we must then consider how very important it is to give children the chance to express their emotions through art. In expressing themselves, children can feel true satisfaction, work through their emotions and of course, give others the opportunity gain joy from the work too.

Surround your child with art

Try to ensure they see and experience as much as possible. Not only visual but in any way you find excites or interests them. Visit museums – both small local ones and big city institutions. Take them to see local exhibitions and discuss the art with them – what do they like? What don’t they enjoy?

Theatre, music, film, literature, they all add so much to life that without these things, most children would naturally begin creating their own anyway. It’s part of human nature to seek both entertainment and opportunities for self-expression.

What if my child excels in the arts?

 If you’re fortunate enough to have a child who loves art or performance in any way, then it’s something worth pursuing.

A professional training is the best thing possible for some children. Those who live and breath performance for example would do well to attend a stage school in London. The chance to gain professional training, professional opportunities and be among other children who share their passion, is invaluable.

Stage schools don’t neglect academics either. Some have extremely rigorous timetables to ensure that pupils are just as ready to pursue another professional outcome should that be their desire. If you’ve been wondering what to do about your child who loves acting, don’t delay but research the opportunities which are available.

Thanks for reading xxx