Plenty more on this subject out there on the web if you’re interested. And, maybe, trying not to define it or influence it too much along the way – after all, it’s their work, not ours. Encouraging and appreciating it all as well, obviously. But certainly, enjoying everything our kids create is a great place to start. What should we, as parents, be doing through all this? Well, the answer kind of depends which researcher you believe the most.

And so, sadly, if there hasn’t been much encouragement or appreciation of what they’ve created over the years, then this is often the point when lots of kids can decide they’re not good enough at creating artwork and lose their confidence and enjoyment, at least for a while. Other things happen at this point too – an increase in a kid’s ability to self-appraise, and an increase in the importance of fitting in with their peers and following the pack. Perspective and scale – stage six – typically starts to appear at eight, nine and ten, and then all of a sudden drawing and painting can feel harder and less spontaneous as a consequence. So, if you’re interested, here they are! First Stage And for a parent it is lovely to be able to pick up on these stages as they are reached, whenever that is. However, when it comes to their artwork there are some clear stages which nearly all kids pass through along the way. After all, it’s not a competition – there’s plenty of that to come later in life! And of course, all kids develop at different speeds and in different ways. Taking a closer look at what your kids are creating. EDIT Please note the Art Eater website is no longer working.

It’s from Nathan and Sara Hodges, founders of Art Eater, which is all about kids’ artwork – creating it, displaying it and preserving it. It will also help you work out which are the must-keep pieces. This short guide will help you identify and enjoy the different stages your kids go through with their artwork as they get older. Kids produce some wonderful artwork over the years.

Child drawing of house