If your child doesn’t like drawing, start with what they already love, not with art. A kid obsessed with dinosaurs, video games, slime or jokes will draw a robot T-rex or a gross monster long before they’ll draw a vase of flowers. Lower the stakes, make it a game and give a quick, guaranteed win. Most “reluctant artists” just haven’t found their way in yet.
Why some kids avoid drawing
- They think they’re bad at it. Comparing with a sibling or classmate is a big one.
- It feels like a test. Being told what to draw, or having drawings corrected, takes the fun out.
- The subject is boring to them. Flowers and houses don’t interest every child.
- It’s physically tiring. Kids still building hand strength may find drawing hard work.
- They’d rather move. Some kids need action, not sitting still.
None of these mean your child can’t enjoy drawing. They mean the usual approach isn’t working.
9 ways to win them back
- Follow their obsession. Dinosaurs? Draw dinosaurs. Robots? Robots. Gross stuff? Meet the Crusty Goobers.
- Go silly. Funny drawings can’t be wrong. Try silly faces or a food monster.
- Give a guaranteed win. A tracing page or a short step-by-step lesson ends with a drawing they’re proud of.
- Make it a game. The squiggle game, draw-what-I-describe, or a timed challenge. See drawing games for kids.
- Give it a purpose. A birthday card, a comic for a friend, a sign for their bedroom door.
- Draw together. Draw badly on purpose. Laugh. Kids relax when the grown-up isn’t perfect.
- Keep it short. Five minutes. Stop before they want to.
- Change the tools. Markers, chalk, a whiteboard or a tablet can feel fresh.
- Never force it. Pressure makes avoidance worse. Invite, then let it go.
For kids who think they’re bad at it
The fastest confidence builder is a drawing that looks good on the first try. Step-by-step lessons are made for this: on every page of a How to Draw book, a light gray outline shows the finished drawing, so kids always know how big to make each part and where it goes. Read what to do when a kid says “I can’t draw” for more.
For kids who’d rather move
Try drawing on a big sheet taped to the wall, sidewalk chalk, drawing standing up, or short drawing breaks between active play. Some kids love fast challenges: draw a monster in 60 seconds.
When to let it be
Not every child will love drawing, and that’s fine. But most kids enjoy it once it connects to something they care about. Keep paper and pencils around, keep invitations light, and you may be surprised when they pick up a pencil on their own.
The book that helps
Gross and goofy characters win over a lot of kids who “don’t like art.” Crusty Goobers and Food Monsters are silly enough that nobody worries about getting them right.
How to Draw: Crusty Goobers
How to Draw: Food MonstersAs an Amazon Associate, FirstArtBooks earns from qualifying purchases.
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Questions
Is it normal for a child not to like drawing?
Yes. Many kids avoid drawing because they feel bad at it or find the subjects boring. Linking drawing to their interests usually helps.
How do I encourage my child to draw without forcing them?
Offer short, fun invitations tied to their interests, draw alongside them, and keep supplies easy to reach.
What should I draw with a child who hates drawing?
Something silly or tied to their obsession: monsters, robots, dinosaurs, gross characters or a joke comic.