The Power of Art and Mindfulness on Children’s Walls

Isn't there something really rewarding about watching a child stop and notice detail in a picture? A squirrel tucked in a tree, a smiley face in a sunset sky, a hidden heart in a petal. Laura, a children's print artist inspired by nature has joined me to talk about the benefits of original artwork for kids!

Why Children Benefit from Seeing Original Artwork Daily

Children are deeply visual learners. The colours, shapes, and textures they see every day help them make sense of the world. Displaying original artwork in their spaces:

• Inspires children to think creatively and use their imagination
• Helps develop critical thinking and observational skills
• Expands their vocabulary and enhances language skills
  
• Promotes a child's overall well being and happiness

The Link Between Art and Mindfulness

Mindfulness for children doesn’t have to mean sitting still with their eyes closed.

It can be looking at a print and saying, “What animals can you spot?” or “How do these colours make you feel?” Art invites mindfulness simply by being present.
Together with Laura from mouse and meg, we believe in creating visual environments that support emotional resilience and calm. Whether it’s a nature-inspired scene or an illustrated emotion wheel, what’s on a child’s wall shapes how safe and grounded they feel.

Laura told me:

As the designer of children's prints, I started wondering to myself if there were any studies into the benefits of displaying original artwork on children's walls, so I did a little research and was astounded at the positive effects it can have on children's development! When I first started designing children’s prints I started wondering if there were any particular benefits that growing up around original artwork can have on a child and I was astounded at the positive effects it can have on a child’s development. Wall art can inspire children to think creatively and spark their imaginations, particularly if that wall art features cute, colourful characters that a child can invent stories about. Take my snail design for example. Where is that cheeky chap off to? Is he a shy snail do you think, or is he bolding off on an adventure in search of a tasty leaf? By discussing themes, colour choices and subject of wall art can develop critical thinking, and promote cognitive skills such as observation, analysis and interpretation. Why is the little frog green I wonder? Why is he sitting on a lily pad? Talking about the art on their walls can improve a child's vocabulary, and enhance language skills. And by expressing their thoughts and feelings about the picture, can evoke emotions and teach empathy. Maybe, in the Hello Little One design, the big toadstool is leaning in to shield the tiny toadstool from an impending rain shower? And thanks to nurturing all these skills, it means that children who grow up with original art work on their walls, go on to have an increased eagerness for learning which leads to them to perform better academically in all subjects! Just think of how the ABC/ 123 charts can give your little one a head start in counting, spelling and reading And if that isn't enough, by transforming a child's bedroom with art work, it creates an inviting, stimulating, and visually appealing environment which in turn promotes happiness and overall well being! It is wonderful now to keep all of these benefits in mind when I design anything new. Prints that are not just a piece of decor, but like having the pages of a story book on the wall!

Combining Art and Emotional Support Tools

If you’re looking to bring this into your own child’s room or a classroom, here are a few ideas:

• Choose one or two art prints that feel peaceful or playful

• Pair them with a visual tool like a breathing prompt or emotion chart

• Hang them at your child’s eye level so they become part of their daily rhythm

What artwork is your favourite?
Something rainbow and bright like our planners?
Or Laura's beautiful, calming nature inspired artwork?
Whichever you choose, I hope it makes you happy! :0)

Make sure to check out Laura's website too:
https://mouseandmeg.com/

Kim x