Formal art classes for creative children may be one of the best tools a parent can provide. However, it may be better to wait until children are older before having them begin formal training. While in many areas of life early, formal training will make the difference between success and failure, art is not as simple to judge in such terms.

There is something to be said for raw talent and creativity that simply bubbles over. Young children should be allowed this freedom to express, even if it's done "wrong" as compared to formal standards. Young children should be allowed to create and explore and experience beauty, color, and the use of space without strict rules. Rigid standards may ultimately stifle a child's creativity.

As children grow older, which happens all too soon, their eyes become more critical. They see things differently and don't experience art in the same open and exuberant ways. This is when some structure and formal art classes may be valuable to a creative child. When he or she is no longer lost in childlike wonder but suddenly wants to know precisely how to take what is seen in the mind's eye and make it into something tangible, formal training may be appropriate.

It also helps to talk to your child. He or she is probably the best judge of whether or not formal art classes will be a benefit or a hindrance.

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