If you’re a parent, you’ve probably smiled (or even laughed a little) watching your child create their very first scribbles. Maybe it was on paper, the wall, or even your favorite table—either way, it’s a moment that sticks. What you might not realize is that those early doodles actually play a big part in your child’s development.
Drawing isn’t just a cute pastime. It’s a building block for something called graphomotor skills—a fancy word for the hand movements your child will eventually use when they begin writing. When your child picks up a crayon or marker and starts making marks on paper, they’re strengthening the small muscles in their hands and fingers. Over time, this practice helps them learn how to control these movements, which becomes essential when they start writing letters, drawing shapes, and expressing their ideas through art.
There’s also a growing body of research that links drawing to language development. As kids draw, they’re not only learning to control their hands—they’re also learning to tell stories, describe their pictures, and express more complex thoughts. In other words, drawing helps them process the world around them—one scribble at a time.
As your child gets older, their drawing skills will naturally evolve. Around age 3, many kids start transitioning from simple lines to creating enclosed shapes—circles are usually the first! Over time, you’ll notice these shapes becoming more detailed and forming the basis for things like faces, animals, and early attempts at writing. Between ages 4 and 6, these drawings often become more intentional and expressive, showing how their thinking is growing right alongside their motor skills.
That said, every child develops at their own pace. There’s no need to compare or worry about how quickly they’re progressing. The most important thing you can do is offer chances to explore and create. Set out some age-appropriate art materials, and carve out regular time to draw together. And don’t stress if your own drawing skills are a bit… creative. Whether you’re sketching stick figures or mysterious animals, your child will love the experience of making art with you.
Just be sure to set some boundaries about where drawing is allowed (we’ve all had that moment with a crayon on the wall), and opt for washable supplies when possible—especially with curious little ones.
In the end, drawing is about so much more than art. It’s a doorway to creativity, confidence, communication, and connection.
Happy drawing!
