The truth behind coloring activities or what’s their effect on children
Have you ever wondered about the effects coloring has on children? Have you thought about the benefits coloring activities have on children? There are various opinions about the advantages and disadvantages of using coloring pages for kids. However, studies have pointed out some incredible benefits children can experience when using coloring sheets and their positive effects on their mental state.
There are various opinions about the advantages and disadvantages of using coloring pages for kids.
Coloring activity has always been very popular with children. Research has shown that a simple activity like coloring can have many positive lifelong effects on children. Coloring is a low—stress, meditative activity that allows a child to focus, calm, and release creative potential. It is non-competitive and can also be a social activity among children.
The fact is that coloring is a structured activity, and it activates various parts of the brain, which generate a creative mindset and mindfulness. Coloring pages are not art therapy but improve coping strategies when used frequently. Researchers have acknowledged the therapeutic qualities of art, and today art therapy is frequently used to help children express themselves for what is hard to put into words. During a coloring activity, the part of the brain responsible for regulating emotions and stress response called the amygdala, rests, meaning a child feels relaxed and stress-free.
Coloring characters, animals, or fun shapes attract and entertain kids.
Using coloring pages daily can have a positive lifelong effect on a child’s mental health and will improve emotion regulation. Coloring allows the brain to switch off thoughts and focus on the moment. It is a very important skill every child should learn since contemporary life is fast-paced. Also, repetition and focusing on pleasant patterns can replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Coloring characters, animals, or fun shapes attract and entertain kids. While having fun with coloring pages, a child looks at shapes and sizes, looks after edges, and thinks about which colors to use. It occupies the parts of the brain that stop anxiety-related mental images.
Once a child associates coloring activity or using coloring pages with relaxation and joy, coloring will help the child to control attention and direct it from negative to positive thoughts when necessary. It will, in time, represent a self-soothing technique, which is one of the most important parts of children’s development.
We cannot consider coloring pages art therapy, but using them frequently as a pastime activity or even an educational tool has proven very beneficial for children. Coloring pages can have a positive influence on mental health and cognitive development. Do you want your child to grow up into a healthy adult? You only have to give your child a box of crayons and a coloring page.
