Coloring Outside the Lines

Please Note: Before I move forward, I feel the need to express that I am no expert in the field of child psychology or child development. However I am a mother and an artist, and what I say here is my opinion based on my experience. 

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One of the milestones a child reaches is learning how to color, inside the lines. We are taught that coloring inside those lines makes the page beautiful and correct. That our personal creative time is structured and has rules. That in order to gain praise in that moment, we must stay within those solid line boundaries. What we don't realize is that this teaches a child that they must think within the boundaries. That outside, creative thinking has a time and place...and this is not that moment, and yes this is true. When instruction is being given, there are rules and it is best to follow those rules. However I think we need to add to this lesson. Teach that it is OK to "think" outside the lines and create something new.

Creative thinking and exploring leads to new ideas, that lead to new techniques, new technology, new solutions. Allowing the mind to express itself in new ways expands a persons horizons. It breaks those bonds of being like everyone else. It grows the mind and sets a person free.

It is absolutely OK to teach a child to color in the lines....but after they have done that lesson with you...turn that page over and then say..."good job, learning how to follow directions is important. Your reward now is to create whatever you want...no rules...feel free to color outside the lines" Not only have you taught the important lesson of following rules, but you also taught the importance of self expression and acceptance of their need to be an individual. Self expression is the mother of all inventions. It really is. Thinking inside the box (coloring inside the lines) does not lead to new inventions or solutions. Creative thinking does. This is an important life skill.