What do Hally Berry, Julia Roberts, Michael Phelps, Angelina Jolie, Mike Tyson, and Leonardo di Caprio have in common? They were all raised by a single parent. What do Steven Spielberg, Keira Knightley and the singer Jewel have in common? They’re all celebrities with learning disabilities whose lives were changed by the arts.
Sadly, at a time when learning disability diagnoses are on the rise, art programs are being cut from our public schools. That’s why it has never been more important that we take an active role involving our children in the arts. Today, Katy Cares shares some great ideas for adding creative arts into your child’s life.
Visual Arts
Visual arts, like drawing and painting, not only reinforce fine motor skills, but they teach shapes, contrasts, spatial relationships and even math concepts in a way that traditional methods cannot. Drawing and painting can open up a whole new world of self-expression and self-worth.
- Benefits of visual arts for children with special needs
- Craft ideas for kids
- How to set up an arts and crafts space at home
Playing a Musical Instrument
Research abounds on the many benefits of playing a musical instrument, from cognitive and sensory to social and emotional perks. It’s a priceless outlet for socialization. If learning how to play is something new for you, it’s a great hobby to pick up, which also helps to stay mentally healthy if you work from home – not only will learning something new shake up your routine, you’ll likely be in contact with people like instructors that opens up your social life.
When it comes to choosing the best instrument for your child, you’ll want to consider his body type, personality, abilities and interest. If the two of you still aren’t sure how to make a selection, talk to your child about their favorite songs and artists to see if you can determine the sound that makes them appealing.
- Benefits of learning to play an instrument for children
- Choosing musical instruments for children with special needs
- How to set up a music room at home
Dance
Dance is particularly beneficial for children with learning disabilities because it gives them a special way to express themselves and aids with body awareness. When you activate the body, you can more readily access and focus the mind. So set up a couple wireless speakers, put on your child’s fave tunes, and let them get grooving while you consider these resources:
- Benefits of dancing for kids with special needs
- Best free online dance lessons for kids
- How to set up an area for dancing at home
Travel to Art Destinations
You can further expose your kiddos to the arts by taking fun excursions to destinations that offer a deep dive into a number of types of activities. Traveling to places that offer involvement in the arts, such as art fairs, gives the entire family experiences that go far beyond the traditional classroom or studio, and the memories will last a lifetime.
Your child may not feel successful in school, but when she finds her niche in the arts, she will have a new avenue for success. Best of all, she’ll be having fun along the way, while hopefully making some great new friends. The good news is, too, that any upgrades you make to your home such as adding a studio can actually boost your home’s appraisal value, which makes such an improvement a win-win for everyone.
Article written by: Patrick Young
Edited by: Dawid J. Pieterse, Th.D.
Katy Cares is a community of hope, healing, and harmony where single parent families overcome trauma, social isolation, and poverty through couching, therapy, training, mentoring, facilitation, skills development, resources, essential support services, opportunities, care, and love. For more information, email or visit our Facebook page.