The best way to talk to kids about their art is to ask open-ended questions instead of judging it. “Tell me about your drawing” works better than “What is it?”, and questions about choices, process and story show a child you really looked. Here are 25 questions to try, plus a few phrases to avoid.
Why questions beat praise
Praise like “Beautiful!” is kind but ends the conversation. Questions invite kids to think, explain and feel proud of their choices. They also avoid the awkward moment of guessing wrong (“Is that a horse?” “It’s Grandma.”). For praise phrases, see how to praise a child’s drawing; this guide is about the conversation.
25 questions to ask
To open the conversation
- Tell me about your drawing.
- What’s happening here?
- What would you like to tell me about it?
- What’s your favorite part?
- What did you call it?
About choices
- How did you choose these colors?
- Why did you make this part so big?
- What made you decide to put it here?
- What would happen if this part were a different color?
- Why did you give it that expression?
About the process
- Where did you start?
- What was the trickiest part?
- How did you figure out how to draw that?
- What did you change along the way?
- What did you learn while drawing this?
About the story
- Who is this character?
- What’s their name?
- What happens next?
- Where do they live?
- What would they say if they could talk?
About feelings and next steps
- How did you feel while you were drawing?
- How do you think the character feels?
- What would you add if you had more time?
- What would you try differently next time?
- Where should we hang it?
What to avoid
- ”What is it?” Try “Tell me about it” instead.
- Fixing it. “The arm should go here” takes ownership away.
- Comparing. With siblings, classmates or yourself.
- Only praising “good” drawings. Every effort deserves interest.
Make it a habit
Pick one question a day. Over time, kids start answering before you ask, explaining their choices and talking about their characters’ stories. That’s the beginning of storytelling. See story drawing prompts and make a comic with kids.
The book that helps
Characters with big personalities give kids lots to talk about. Crusty Goobers and Silly Aliens start conversations by themselves.
How to Draw: Crusty Goobers
How to Draw: Silly AliensAs an Amazon Associate, FirstArtBooks earns from qualifying purchases.
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Questions
What should I say when my child shows me a drawing?
Try “Tell me about your drawing,” then ask about their favorite part or how they chose the colors.
Why shouldn’t I ask “What is it?”
It can make kids feel their drawing failed. “Tell me about it” lets them explain without pressure.
How do I talk to a teenager or tween about their art?
Ask about choices and process (“How did you get that texture?”) and respect their privacy if they don’t want to share.