Art classes offer a form of enrichment to a child. Any form of enrichment, particularly that speaks directly to a child’s natural talents can give tremendous meaning and impact. Enriching classes address the inner need to learn, achieve, and become really “good” at a skill. Feelings of achievement and success lead to the great inner strength that supports self confidence. The child feels important and good about themselves, which is so important to the growth of character. Enriching classes or lessons also lead to intellectual growth, or in the case of athletics, physical strength and dexterity. Art and music lessons can increase eye-hand coordination; any of the arts can enhance creativity and dexterity of thought.

This wonderful acquisition - self confidence, creativity, mental, physical, and intellectual development are all things that an involved parent/caretaker would wish for their child.

As a long time art educator I have seen many human interactions beyond the realm of the studio. I have personally spoken with hundreds of children, and their parents or caretakers. I have been an observer to family relationships concerning my students and have formed some conclusions based on my observations.

A recent occurrence had me puzzled. A very bright young child was referred to my classes by his teacher because of his advanced drawing skills. He was signed up for class by a supportive parent, and proceeded to learn like a sponge. This boy was thirsty for knowledge and skills. He was very enthusiastic. When he began missing weeks of classes, the students, and I, wondered if he was ill. The boy did return with his parent’s apologetically offered explanation for his absences. The boy was held home from class as punishment for misbehaviors. Because he loved his art to the exclusion of all else, the parent thought to discipline him in this way would have the most meaning. It was only after the boy’s school teacher spoke with the parent explaining that withholding enrichment (art classes) may not be the best discipline measures.

In a similar situation, guitar lessons were canceled by a parent because their son was hanging out with some bad kids from his middle school where he was a new student. He was getting into trouble. His punishment was to stay at home alone, and to lose his guitar lessons. This poor boy, at a difficult age and situation, was now friendless, grounded, and without further access to improving a new skill. Practicing guitar can be a challenging creative hobby that can lead to enhanced self confidence, poor kid! If he were to work at his skills in middle school, he could have the confidence to accept his worth as he progresses to adulthood. Any form of enrichment, particularly that speaks directly to a child’s natural talents can give tremendous meaning and impact to their adult life. As parents and educators we need to assure that children have all the tools and skills they can use to make them successful and fulfilled adults.

To discipline by withholding enriching class lessons is counter productive to the goal of raising a well-rounded child. Cancel a play date. Forbid an excursion, or a favorite dessert. Better yet, impose a chore that helps with the housekeeping. I’ve found that the best process relieves some of the work of the parent. Why shouldn’t the child give back? First, explain the rules or desired behavior. Then, clearly state the consequences for not complying, last, follow through. This process is time consuming because children continually come up with new behaviors both positive and challenging. No one ever said being a good parent is easy. But, imposing consequences that impact your child’s development is like moving their savings into a low interest bank account. Don’t let children loose out on valuable enriching learning that will pay higher dividends later in their lives.