"I'm Not Artistic!" 5 Simple Ways Any Parent Can Confidently Teach Art

If you’ve ever said, “I’m not artistic,” you’re not alone!

So many parents feel unsure when it comes to teaching art at home. Maybe you think you need a background in art, a closet full of supplies, or a magical ability to draw perfect stick figures. 

The honest truth? You don’t need any of that. 

Teaching art gives kids the space to explore, express themselves, and take pride in what they create. And you, yes YOU, are more than equipped to guide that journey. 

This blog will give you five confidence-boosting tips that make teaching art feel less overwhelming and a lot more fun for you and the children. 

Plus, we’ll show you how Outside the Box Creation can support you every step of the way. 

Let’s get into it. Below are five tips on making art at home easy and creative, whether you are a homeschool parent or need an activity during summer break.

Tip 1: You Don’t Need Fancy Supplies (Use What You Have)

One of the biggest myths about teaching art is that you need professional tools. But the truth is, creativity doesn’t care if your paintbrush is a Q-tip or your canvas is a cereal box. 

Here are some everyday items that make great art tools that you can find around the house:

  • Paper towels for blending paint colors

  • Toothbrushes for splatter effects 

  • Cardboard scraps for stamping

  • Cotton balls for soft textures 

  • Sponges for adding depth

  • Recyclables like egg cartons, bottle caps, and paper rolls for sculpting or printing

  • Old magazines for scrapbooking

Encourage your child to experiment. Let them tape, rip, and glue as much as they like. When you use what’s around you, you model creative problem-solving. That is what art is all about. 

Tip 2: Say “Yes” to Mess (And Learn to Let Go)

Worried about paint on the table or glitter in your rug? Totally normal. But art is a sensory experience, and yes, quite often a messy one. 

Try this when setting up your art station:

  • Set up a “yes to mess” zone. Cover the table with newspaper or a plastic tablecloth.

  • Use washable supplies and keep wipes nearby. 

  • Provide aprons or old t-shirts to wear.

  • Have a designated clean-up song or routine in place. This teaches responsibility in a fun way.

  • Remind yourself: this is a creative process, not a clean one. 

When kids see that messes are okay, they’re more likely to try new things. And when they try, they grow. 

Tip 3: Focus on the Process, Not the Product

It can be tempting to compare your child’s art to what’s on Pinterest, but please don’t. Instead, focus on the experience of making art, not the final result. 

Here are some suggestions of things to say to your child:

  • “I love how you used all those colors!”
  • “Look how carefully you added those lines into your drawing.”
  • “Tell me about this part, what were you thinking?”


These comments show your child that their ideas matter more than staying inside the lines and being “perfect.”

In addition, you can also celebrate your child’s creative process by:

  • Displaying their artwork on the fridge or a wall. 

  • Keeping an art journal to collect their work and reflect over time.

Tip 4: Use Open-Ended Prompts to Inspire

Art doesn’t need instructions. It needs invitations. Use open-ended prompts that give your child space to decide what and how they’ll create. 

Prompting gives children a focus or a guide to creating artwork, but doesn’t create the artwork itself. It allows children to think deeply about what they are creating, truly making it their own. 

Open-ended prompts encourage imagination and story-building. They remove pressure and build confidence by eliminating “wrong answers.” They also let children take complete control of their ideas. 

Some examples of prompts can sound like:

  • “Create a creature that lives on another planet.”
  • “Design a house made out of candy.”
  • “Draw what music sounds like to you.”
  • “Paint a landscape that you would like to see in person.”

These kinds of prompts remove pressure and boost imagination. And best of all, there is no right or wrong answer. 

Tip 5: Let Your Child Lead (You’re the Guide, Not the Boss)

You don’t have to be the expert. In fact, it’s better if you’re not. 

Let your child take the lead. Ask them what they want to make. Sit alongside them and create something too! Remember, don’t try to correct or control their work. This is something we are all guilty of as parents, but we can fix it right here, right now!

When you let kids steer the creative process, they feel empowered. They build confidence in their own decisions. And you? You get to enjoy the ride. 

Extra tip: Use phrases like “What do you think would happen if…? or “Show me how you’d do it.”

Celebrate their independence and let their creative voice guide the project throughout. 

Wrap-Up: You’re More Than Capable and You’re Not Alone

Feeling a little more confident? We hope so. 

Teaching art is not about being the most artistic. Instead, teaching art is about making space for your child to explore, create, grow, and trusting that your encouragement is enough. 

If you’re ready to go further, Outside the Box Creation is here to help. Art educators design our monthly art curriculum kits, and they come with all of the supplies you need. 


Each box contains:

  • 4 structured, age-appropriate art lessons

  • An illustrated children’s book

  • Step-by-step instructions with skill modifications

  • Digital Art Room access for videos, vocabulary games, and enrichment

  • A certificate of completion for your homeschool portfolio

Whether you’re a first-time homeschooling parent or a seasoned teacher who’s always felt unsure about art, we’ve got your back. 

You don’t need to be artistic to raise an artist. You just need to start creating art.