Homeschool art is not about creating an artist

The Goal is Growth NOT Perfection

March 05, 2025•2 min read

Have you ever hesitated before starting something new, worried it might not turn out “right”? Maybe your child feels that way, too—nervous about trying a different material, unsure if they’ll “do it correctly.” But here’s the truth: art isn’t about getting it right. It’s about trying, exploring, and discovering.

When we create, we aren’t taking a test or proving what we know. We’re learning. And learning means stepping into something unfamiliar, sometimes with uncertainty, but always with the opportunity to grow.

One New Thing at a Time

For some kids, the idea of doing something completely new can feel overwhelming. If you have a child who struggles with trying new things, consider introducing just one new element at a time. That way, there’s a foundation of familiarity while they gently stretch into something different.

For example, when John first tried oil pastels, he was so unsure that it ended in tears. The texture, the way they blended—it all felt strange. Instead of pushing forward too quickly, we slowed down. We spent time simply drawing and coloring with them, using subjects that felt comfortable. After four projects with the same pastels, John started to feel more confident.

Then, it was time for something new. Chalk pastels.

As soon as we switched materials, the frustration returned. That’s when I realized the problem: too much change at once. Instead of asking John to use a new material on a brand-new subject, we went back to a drawing he had already done six weeks earlier—a bird he was familiar with.

Suddenly, it wasn’t so scary. The subject was something he knew. The only change was the material. And he tried. That was the success.

Trying Is More Important Than Liking

At the end of the project, John didn’t love chalk pastels. And that was okay! He still preferred oil pastels, but he had given something new a chance. He had an opinion based on experience, not fear. That, to me, was the real victory.

I asked him to try them once more, on a different project, before making a final decision. He agreed. Not because he suddenly loved them, but because he saw that his feelings about art weren’t permanent. They could change. And change is part of the creative process.

The Goal? Growth, Not Perfection

If we expect perfection, we set ourselves up for frustration. But if we approach art as an adventure—where the goal is to try, explore, and create—we open the door to growth.

So whether you’re introducing a new material, a new technique, or a new subject, remember: one new thing at a time. Let the process unfold. Celebrate the effort, not just the outcome.

Because in the end, it’s not about loving every new thing. It’s about being willing to try.

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Creative Connections: How Homeschool Art Builds Confidence, Learning & Family Bonds
from Julie True, single homeschooling mom of 6 + art teacher for 15 years

I’ve been there—juggling life, a houseful of kids, the never-ending to-do list, and the weight of expectations (from society and, let’s be honest, from myself). I remember trying to keep it all together, wearing the “I’ve got this” mask, while inside, I felt like everything was unraveling. Now, with four of my six kids graduated. I can tell you this: I didn’t do it perfectly. I made mistakes, owned them, and kept going. And you know what? My kids don’t look back and see the imperfect lesson plans or the chaotic days. They see the love, the learning, and the life skills that shaped them. Today, they’re in college, trade schools, and even running their own businesses—because homeschooling gave them the confidence and independence to thrive.