by Barbara Webber

Created on: June 23, 2009   Last Updated: June 27, 2009

Some people might think a museum is no place for a young child; especially an art gallery where most people are quietly enjoying paintings and sculptures. But this is a misconception. Museums and art galleries can be enjoyed by young children; we just have to make sure we do it right. Childhood is a very influential time. As adults we can help or hurt our children's perceptions of different things. Based on the way we do things our children might view museums and art galleries as boring and stuffy or fascinating places filled with mystery and wonder. It is all in the way we do it!

PLAN -

If you are bringing young children to an art gallery or museum, make sure it is one you have been to before. Think about the exhibits in the museum and plan for stops that will interest your children. Map out your route and remember that children have short attention spans. Familiarize yourself with the paintings, sculptures, and exhibits you will be bringing them to see. Anticipate their questions; though you will likely not be able to anticipate everything they might ask, you should give yourself enough knowledge of the exhibit and artist that you can field most general questions quickly and easily. This may mean you have to do some research; but it is truly how you can make the most of your visit.

KNOW YOUR CHILDREN -

Don't try to bring your children to see exhibits that are too far outside their realm of interest. Young children are easily bored by things that do not hold their interest. That being said, what interests them might surprise you. Believe it or not, even elementary school aged children have more interests then cartoons and ice cream. Find out what they enjoyed learning about most in school last year. If they were very interested in American history, design your trip around that. Find galleries with exhibits including American paintings and sculptures throughout history. If their favorite subjects were music or physical education, look for exhibits containing musical instruments or a history of the Olympics. No matter where your children's interests lie, you are likely to find a museum or museum exhibit that caters to that.

DON'T FORCE IT -

Sometimes we can see the beauty or magnificence in something that our children just don't get. That's OK, they are entitled to their own opinions. If they no longer want to be in a certain exhibit, don't force it. On the other hand, if something catches their eye that is beyond what you planned,

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