What Not to Ask

Whatever you do, steer clear of the phrase, “What is it?” when talking to your children about a work of art that they have created.  Instead, say, “Tell me about your picture.”  Not only is this a much gentler phrase and allows children to be imaginative when talking about their artwork, but it also doesn’t make them self-conscious. They will be more willing to create if they are assured that mommy and daddy ”know” that in fact their elephant is not a giraffe and simply want to know more about their creation.