How to Talk to Kids About Their Art
a few Tricks to keep the conversation—and the creativity—flowing.
If your child hands you a piece of art and you’ve ever blurted out, “Oh! What is it?”—you’re not alone. We’ve all done it. It feels like the natural thing to say… but sometimes that one little question can make a kid shrink instead of shine. At Corner House Studio, we spend a lot of time watching how kids light up (or shut down) depending on how the people they care about respond to their creations. And over time, we’ve learned a few tricks that help keep the conversation—and the creativity—flowing.
Make Observations
It’s easy to do: “Wow! That’s amazing!” And sure, you probably mean it! But well meaning generic praise doesn’t help kids feel seen. Instead, try being specific. That kind of feedback builds confidence and encourages them to keep going. One of the easiest and most powerful ways to talk about your child’s art is to simply describe what you see:
“You filled the whole page!”
“I love how bold those brushstrokes are.”
“You really stuck with this project—look at all that detail!”
“You used a lot of purple!”
“I see thick brushstrokes in this painting.”
“There are so many little details here.”
These kinds of comments are pressure-free. You’re not guessing what it is or deciding if it’s good—you’re just noticing. And that leaves space for your artist to tell you more, if they want to.
Ask QUestions
Kids are process-driven artists. Many of them care more about mixing the colors and smooshing the clay than about the final result. So instead of focusing on what it’s supposed to be, try asking things like:
“Did you try something new today?”
“What part did you work on the longest?”
“Ooh, how did you get that effect?”
These kinds of questions tell them: I see your effort. I see your choices. That matters.
Start a Conversation
You Could Say Say “Tell Me About It”. That one little shift makes all the difference. “Tell me about it” invites your child to share their thinking, their process, their imagination. It’s open-ended and safe. “What is it?”—even with the best intentions—can make them feel like they got something wrong. And if they do want to tell you what it is, they will. On their terms.
Bottom Line
You don’t have to be an art expert to support your young artist. You just have to show up, stay curious, and let them know their creativity is valued—even when it’s messy, strange, or totally unrecognizable.
And if you ever feel stuck, just say: “Tell me about your art.” That one little phrase goes a long, long way.
Looking for more ways to support your creative kid?
If you want your child to experience the joy of creating something truly their own, we’d love to welcome them to a class or camp at Corner House Studio. Our programs are designed to inspire imagination, build confidence, and help every young artist find their voice. Registration is open now — come make something wonderful with us!