Are coloring books good or bad for children?

I woke up this morning thinking about this question and thought to write down my own sentiments on this most popular subject matter.

During the past few months, I read in numerous papers and magazine, parents, in order to keep their children quiet and occupied during lock-down and with limited access to summer program activities, are resorting to buying – in abundance, coloring books. A recent New York Times article proclaimed, based on clinical professionals’ opinions, that they ‘reduce anxiety’ in youngsters.

I can understand, to a certain degree, when proponents allege that coloring can sharpen focus, that it can be relaxing and therapeutic, calming, help with problem solving, and foster organizational skills. I also appreciate the notion that coloring could indeed be broadly therapeutic, but I personally believe so much more in individualism.

Following is what I think coloring inside the lines unconsciously teaches children: Do not think for yourself; fit in; you are only good enough to apply the color into the given shapes; don’t be creative with your own drawings…

You see where I am going with this? We were all born with deeply rooted creative impulses, and slowly, but surely, outside influences had a detrimental impact on our innate tendencies. We became compliant followers, bowing to perceived authority. We lost our ability to judge and think independently but resemble our own opinions closely to the biggest loudmouth - who easily can impress those upon us, because we were taught to color within the lines.

Do not keep your children ‘busy’ with quiet work. Your youngster is better off to be allowed to discover her full range of passions through a myriad of truly creative endeavors.      

My personal conclusion is that I would like to see more children color outside the lines. I am against conformity. I do not see how that can be desired in raising the next generation of critically thinking creatives.

Follow my hashtag #ReadToKids on social media.

Drawing is the artistic equivalent of thinking. Allow your child to draw but let her draw freely and loudly. Raise her to be the next leader and not a follower that fit-sin.