Drawing is a key developmental milestone for young kids, one that often begins at a very early age. But there often comes a time when kids stop drawing as regularly as they did when they were younger.
So when does that happen, and why? This article will explore the age when kids typically stop drawing, the reasons why it occurs, and some tips for encouraging your child to keep at drawing even if their age is normally associated with a lack of drawing.
What Age Do Kids Typically Stop Drawing?
Experts generally agree that kids usually stop drawing around 7 to 10 years old. While some kids may continue doodling and sketching on occasion, they tend to stop producing careful drawings like they did as toddlers.
It’s worth noting that this often differs among children. For instance, a child may have stopped drawing earlier than other peers because they found a more appealing activity, or later because they enjoy drawing and find it rewarding. Either way, around 7 to 10 years old is when drawing takes on a more serious and focused form among kids.
Why Do Kids Stop Drawing at This Age?
At the age of 7 to 10 years old, children are often shifting their focus to more structured activities and serious academics. This is the point at which kids begin to recognize the importance of activities like writing, reading, and math, and any free-form activities may take a backseat. On some level, children recognize that drawing or doodling may not be as accepted or rewarded as some of their peers, leading to a decrease in drawing.
At this age, children are also acquiring more sophisticated fine motor skills, leading them to develop their stylistic and artistic abilities in different media. They may start to explore digital art, oil painting, or sculpting.
Or, they might be dabbling in kayaking, skateboarding, or playing a musical instrument. In general, at this age, children’s focus shifts to activities that are seen as more advanced, leading to less emphasis on drawing and doodling.
How Can You Encourage Your Child to Keep Drawing?
Fortunately, kids at this age have very active imaginations and still crave artistic expression. While they may express it differently than they did as toddlers, there are still ways you can encourage and support your child’s art.
Most of all, you should show your child that you appreciate and understand their art. Offer positive feedback, and hang up drawings or paintings in a visible place in your home. Additionally, you should strive to create an atmosphere that is conducive to creative expression in your home.
This means putting away any devices and electronics, making supplies available, setting aside specific times for art, and introducing your child to different artistic activities. You should also be careful not to criticize your child’s art, or talk about it dismissively ‒ or, worse, in a condescending or judgmental tone.
Lastly, it’s important to keep the focus on the creative process, and not on the product. This means that instead of pointing out small flaws and corrections, you should focus on the fun, creative, and imaginative components of the process.
Conclusion
Drawing is a key developmental milestone for kids, but at some point they tend to stop, typically around the age of 7 to 10 years old. While this may be due to a directing of focus to more structured activities and serious academics, there are still ways to encourage your child to keep at drawing. Ultimately, by creating an environment open to creative expression, giving positive feedback, and keeping the focus on the creative process instead of the product, your child can continue honing their artistic skills in whatever form suits them.