[Josy]

Do you let your child use colouring books? Child experts have warned that you could be making a mistake…

Colouring books are popular amongst parents and children alike; they're a pleasant way to while away the time and have fun with felt tips.

However, according to childcare experts, colouring books - which see children colouring in a predawn picture - could be doing more harm than good.

They explain: "Colouring books do improve hand-eye coordination, but so do many other things, such as building with blocks or putting together puzzles.

"It's more important for parents to realise that colouring books limit your child's creativity."

They added: "You're denying them the chance to create their own artwork or to get their own imaginings down on paper. By giving them a predawn drawing, we're teaching them what art is 'supposed' to look like - and not encouraging them to make art of their own."

So what should parents do instead?

"Give them a blank sketchbook and some crayons, pencils, pens or paints. Then let them draw whatever they like."

"This way, the drawing will be truly unique to them - and they won't be limited by pre-conceived ideas. Even if your child draws a squiggle and tells you it's a dinosaur, they're still putting a name to something they have created - which is truly amazing."

If your child needs a little inspiration, why not take them to an art gallery, a museum, the park, or even give them a stack of magazines? This way they can sit down and create their own impression of what they've seen, with no worries about straying outside the lines.

Some children will find drawing easier than others - but all do so if they feel successful, so be sure to praise their pictures.

http://www.closeronline.co.uk/2014/0...s#.U6xDbbsg-M9

Who are these so called experts?

Opinions?

[Amy Jade]

I had loads of colouring books when I was little and looks how i've turned out...oh wait

[Vicky.]

LOL

[Kazanne]

Originally Posted by Josy

http://www.closeronline.co.uk/2014/0...s#.U6xDbbsg-M9

Who are these so called experts?

Opinions?

I think colouring books are an essential part of childhood,they get to use their imagination and see how things are drawn,they are lots of fun,not adverse to helping them out myself now and again

[Josy]

Originally Posted by Vicky.

LOL

That was my reaction reading the article

[Jack_]

Seems reasonable enough to me, obviously they're not saying it makes you a bad parent if you do but they are right in saying they just teach kids the parameters of preconceived ideas of art which is not what art is about at all

[arista]

At a Early Age
its not a problem.

[smudgie]

Load of old tosh.

Colouring books are fine, along with blank paper and all the rest of it.

Done my two no harm. My daughter is very creative and was an A* art student.

[armand.kay]

This is ridiculous.

[Josy]

Originally Posted by armand.kay

This is ridiculous.

[Crimson Dynamo]

How are you supposed to do blood pouring out of Disney characters?

Its PC gone mad

[Marsh.]

Having colouring books doesn't mean they won't scribble on a blank sheet of paper if the mood takes them.

Don't these experts have more important things to use their so called skills on?

What next? Experts warn: DO NOT let your child use the toilet, it limits their freedom to deposit faeces wherever they like.

[Jords]

Im pretty sure most parents use colouring books as a rewarding tool or for a stimulating activity? There is no reason why kids cant use them and take part in other activites to improve their 'creativity'. Experts just get stricter and sillier in my opinion.

[Pete.]

This is crazy

[Ninastar]

bull****...

Colouring in is great for them. It teaches them how to hold pens properly, helps them develop patience, makes them more creative and sooo much more.

[Shaun]

Originally Posted by Jack_

Seems reasonable enough to me, obviously they're not saying it makes you a bad parent if you do but they are right in saying they just teach kids the parameters of preconceived ideas of art which is not what art is about at all

well no but colouring books aren't what art's about at all either...

[Marsh.]

Originally Posted by Ninastar

bull****...

Colouring in is great for them. It teaches them how to hold pens properly, helps them develop patience, makes them more creative and sooo much more.

I now imagine your posts read out hyperactively posh by Rowbotham.

[Ninastar]

i dont see what's wrong... they aren't drawing in colouring books to learn, it's a bit of fun/rewarding

this article is totally ridiculous and just stating the obvious... of course its better for them to come up with things on a blank piece of paper, but how else will they learn to draw shapes? Just look at a picture and try to draw it out from their minds? They need to learn how to trace and this mixes in with colouring in.

What will they say next? Don't play in mud? Making mud pies makes kids more likely to be obese? LOL

[Achilles]

Been saying this for years but nobody ever listens. Nothing will ever change.