She said, “I remember the first lot of Play-Doh they had…you never let them get more than one colour out at a time, in case they mixed them together.” It was as if she knew that a “painting session” in our house meant 3 colours, 3 separate brushes so as not to mix the colours, a big vat of water to clean said brushes, and aprons the size of dust sheets…but not actual dust sheets as these were under the table to prevent spatter.

She then went on to tell me how, when we were kids, we had so many friends…not because we were particularly delightful, but because she was the only mother who allowed her kids to get every bit of art and craft equipment out all at once, and just create…hang the mess. Needless to say I remember these art days fondly…and I wondered how my kids would remember theirs?

There are ways of allowing kids to explore their world without the possibility of permanent damage to walls and floors. Give them a disposable camera whilst out on a walk, and the results are fabulous…you can then make a collage or scrap book or seasonal posters…along with anything else you have found, like leaves or flowers.

We can strangle creativity in our children without realising it, by being overly watchful, literally not giving them the space to be children. Putting restraints on their time – there is no longer time to play or paint or draw, because lives are dictated by a routine of “worthwhile” activities such as football, dance lessons, homework and day care. Could we not allow them at least one evening a week to just amuse themselves, without electrical stimulus or team sports?

We also need to emphasise the pleasure of creation, without the need for competition or prizes. Children just want to enjoy the fun and creative process and be praised for taking part.

Creativity comes naturally to children, but as we become older learning becomes about necessity not fun and our time is taken up with more serious matters. Surely then we should be giving our kids all the time and freedom to explore their world without worrying about the mess? I for one will be attempting a more relaxed and devil-may-care attitude to all things creative. After all, we can change the wallpaper, but their memories of their childhood last a lifetime, and I’m suddenly aware I may well be squashing the next Picasso.

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