Kids Art Journal and Prompts About Growing

We're always looking for ways to help your kids express themselves. We want them to be creative, but you also want them to be able to express their feelings in a healthy way. That's where art journaling comes in. Kids art journaling is a great way for them to explore their creativity and learn how to communicate their emotions. Plus, it's a lot of fun!

Fill Your Cup is a journal prompt series that I started in 2013 and I've received such amazing feedback on it that I figured it was time for an update. In this post, you'll find journal prompts for both you and your kiddo (or kiddos) about growing.

What is art journaling?

First things first, there are no rules with art journaling – anything goes! Kids can use whatever materials they like, and there's no need to worry about making things perfect. The goal is simply to give them creative outlet express themselves and have fun.

Whether it's drawing, painting, or decoupage – art journaling tugs on their imagination and taps into their inner artist.

Why is art journaling important for kids?

Art journaling is important for kids because it helps them to express themselves in a healthy way. It also allows them to explore their creativity and experiment with different materials and techniques. Plus, it's a great way for kids to bond with you. When you sit down to do art journaling together, you're giving your child your undivided attention and letting them know that they are valued and loved.

How do I get started with art journaling with my child?

The best way to get started with art journaling is simply to jump in and start doing it! There's no need to wait for the perfect moment or buy expensive supplies – just gather whatever you have on hand and start creating. If you're feeling stuck, there are plenty of resources available online (including Pinterest, check out the Bounceback Parenting Art Journaling board!) that can give you some ideas to get started.

If you're feeling crafty you can even make your own journals with paper you have on hand using our easy book making tutorial.

How We Grow Art Journal Prompt for Kids

 My “Mama Markers” slightly thicker Paper Mate Colored Pens (affiliate) and my very fine point Staedtler Fineliner Pens (affiliate)

What you’ll need:

• A sketchbook or paper for each participant.
• Markers pens or colored pencils
• Big people and little people hands to trace 😉
  

This week for the Art Journal with Kids series our word is grow, and we traced hands – such a big indication of our growth during our life.  In my journal I used a page that I water color painted during last weeks prompt about three ways to prepare an art journal page.

Art Journal Prompt and Activity:

Kids love seeing their hand size in relation to yours.  Take turns tracing your hand and your child's hand on the paper.  You can overlap handprints in an orderly fashion such as I have done here, or take a more wild all-over-the-page approach.  The overlapping hands make for interesting shapes to color and write in.

Possible questions to chat with the kids about:

• Do you think you will grow bigger than your mom and dad?
• What would it be like if your could snap you fingers and grow as tall as you wanted?  How about as small as you wanted?
• What does it feel like to make a mistake?  Does it help you grow?

Encourage your children to enjoy the process instead of worrying about getting it “just right.”  Show them how you can make mistakes and then use creativity to “fix” the mistake.  Mistakes are a natural part of the creative process.   As my six year old says, “It’s not about getting it perfect, it’s about enjoying the experience.”

Journal Prompts for Parents About Growing

Read through these prompts and respond to which ever catches your eye – I tend to enjoy painting or drawing while simply pondering the questions, but you may wish to write or make a list.

• What do you think you would feel like when you were a grown up?  Do you feel like a grown up now?
• We have to make mistakes to grow – when you reflect on your mistakes, how do you forgive yourself?  Are you able to be grateful for the growth they enabled?
• What do your children have to teach you right now?

• What motivates you to keep growing as a person?  What do you need to let go of right now in order to grow?
• More journal prompts on growth and new beginnings.

Learn more about my Draw Yourself Out workshop. It's a touch of self-care and sprinkle of self-expression.

Kids Art Journaling Kits

STMT DIY Artist Journaling Set includes watercolor paint, palette, painting pad, and stickers.

Kid Made Modern Journal Craft Kit comes with some amazing starter supplies like markers, washi tape, and stickers.