Expand Your Child’s Horizons: The Arts and Child Development

Everyone has their own thoughts, ideas, and experiences in raising children. As a parent you want to do what is best for your child’s physical and emotional well-being. We make sure that they have the healthiest food and drink, that they are clothed, and that they have the best in education. There are so many things to thinks about with our child’s development, and as they grow the options for activities increase. You become bombarded with sign-ups for sports teams, and between soccer, swimming, and baseball it becomes very easy to fill your days and evenings with different sports activities. While physical activity is critical for your child, you will want to find a good balance of activities to stimulate their mind and overall development. Professionals all agree that the best balance of activities includes participation in the arts. Here are some of the benefits that your child of any age will enjoy when you encourage participation in the arts:

1. Broaden the mind. Children who are encouraged to be creative are more flexible and are able to think outside the box. Music and dance are the perfect activities for children of all ages. It is strongly encouraged to sing regularly to infants, and it is recommended to continue with children even as they grow older. Not only is it fun for all children, it also affects memory and relaxation. Dance helps with coordination, balance, and developing rhythm. These are all critical in a child’s brain development and overall development, and can be achieved through music.

 

2. Encourages teamwork. Sports are not the only way to instill the concepts of teamwork. Encouraging a child’s participation in musicals and plays is an excellent way to not only reap the benefits of listening to music and singing, it teaches them to work in collaboration with others of all ages and skill levels. This is one of the most valuable skills that can be imparted to a child for both their childhood and adults years. Learning and performing in a musical presentation requires a great deal of collaboration and synchronization. Being able to work with various talents and personalities is an excellent growth opportunity for all children.

3. Improved self-esteem. Being part of a team, learning and developing new skills, and building on an already existing talent are all excellent ways to build one’s self-esteem. For children this is such a critical piece of development, and participation in the arts is one of the best ways to build a positive self-esteem. Successfully learning and performing a number, making new friends with similar interests, and experiencing an audience’s enjoyment of a performance all build a positive self-image, especially important in a child’s adolescent years.

4. Build on existing talent. Recognizing and encouraging the development of existing musical and artistic talent is one of the best things you can do for any child. Many times we become so focused on schoolwork and sports that we forget that talent lies in so many different areas. Having a musical ear, a strong voice, excellent rhythm, and being able to put it all together does not exist in every child, so having a special talent must be recognized and built upon. Allowing your child the opportunity to work with other talented individuals who can coach and train him or her may not make them a world-famous act, but it may open new opportunities and windows for them. Many are fulfilled to sing and dance locally in musicals and dinner theater, or may even someday teach other children.

There are many more reasons to encourage participation in the arts, but the primary ones are centered around building on creativity and developing social skills.  Young children are sponges, actively learning from all activities that are encouraged.  Music and dance are ideal for all ages, and the benefits don’t stop as our child gets older.  By all means encourage your children to participate in a sport, but for a well-rounded child create a balance of physical activity and the arts.  Whether your child’s interest lies in song, playing an instrument, dance, or all three encourage them to explore their environment.  The increased creativity and skills will be what they take into adulthood.