How can I support them when their art project doesn’t turn out right? 

Parenting Perspective 

For a child, creating an art project is not just about using paint, paper, or clay. It is about their imagination, their pride, and their desire for self-expression. When their finished work does not look the way they had pictured it in their mind, or when it falls apart, smudges, or looks “messy” compared to the work of others, they can feel crushed. They might cry, throw the project away, or declare, “I am not good at art.” Your role as a parent is to help them to understand that creativity is not about achieving perfection, but about the joy of expression, effort, and growth. 

Acknowledge Their Frustration Gently 

When your child is visibly upset, it is best to avoid saying things like “It looks fine to me” or “Do not be so silly.” Instead, you can validate their disappointment: 

• ‘I can see how hard you worked on this, and it must feel so upsetting when it does not look the way you wanted it to.’ 

• ‘It is okay to feel frustrated. That just means you care a lot about your work.’ 

This simple act tells them that their feelings are real and respected. 

Reframe Art as Expression, Not Perfection 

Children often believe that the value of a piece of art lies in how “perfect” or realistic it looks. You can gently help to shift their perspective: 

• ‘Art is about showing what is inside your heart and mind, not about making it look exactly like someone else’s work.’ 

• ‘Every artist makes mistakes. In fact, sometimes those ‘mistakes’ are what make a piece of art unique and special.’ 

This helps them to understand that the true value of art is found in the act of creativity, not in constant comparison. 

Highlight Their Effort and Creativity 

Praise the positive qualities and skills that went into the project, rather than focusing only on the final outcome: 

• ‘I love how much detail and thought you added to this part of the drawing.’ 

• ‘I can see from the beautiful colours you chose that you have a real imagination.’ 

By pointing to their effort and creativity, you help them to take pride in their unique process. 

Share Examples of “Imperfect” Creativity 

You can tell them about famous artists whose work looked unusual or “wrong” to other people at first, but became celebrated later on. You could also show them how even professional artists sometimes make mistakes and have to start again. Sharing your own clumsy and humorous attempts at art can also make them laugh and feel less alone in their struggle. 

Teach That Mistakes Can Become Opportunities 

Encourage them to look at what went wrong not as a disaster, but as a new opportunity: 

• ‘What if we try to turn that smudge into a shadow for the tree?’ 

• ‘I wonder if this accidental line could be turned into something new and exciting?’ 

This teaches them that mistakes are a natural part of the creative process, not the end of it. 

Encourage Persistence in Creativity 

Gently guide them to see that every single project is valuable practice for the next one: 

• ‘Each time you try to create something, your artistic skills grow a little bit stronger.’ 

• ‘Artists improve by experimenting, and experiments do not always go as planned.’ 

This approach helps to foster resilience, showing that creativity is a journey of exploration, not a single, final result. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches us that true beauty lies in our effort, our intention, and our sincerity, not in achieving worldly perfection. Just as people differ in their appearance and their abilities, so too does their creativity. What matters most is that a child has worked with sincerity and has given their personal best. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Mulk (67), Verse 2: 

‘It is He (Allah Almighty) Who has created mortal expiration and life so that you may be tested; as to which one a few (conducts himself) in better deeds…’ 

This verse reminds us that Allah Almighty values the quality of our deeds, not how flawless they might appear to others. For a child, this means that their sincere effort in creating a piece of art, even if the result is imperfect, is valuable in the sight of Allah. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, Hadith 1832, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Allah loves that when any one of you does a job, he should perfect it.’ 

This hadith inspires a child to always strive for excellence in their effort, while also helping them to recognise that this perfection lies in the act of striving itself, not necessarily in the final outcome. 

By sharing these truths, you can show your child that their art project is not a failure, but a valuable step in their growth and a beautiful expression of their creativity. They will learn that even when things do not turn out “right,” their sincerity and their persistence are what make their effort truly meaningful. 

Over time, they will grow into confident young believers who see mistakes as stepping stones, not as disasters. They will learn to embrace their creativity as a gift from Allah Almighty, understanding that true beauty lies not in achieving flawless results, but in the courage to try, to express themselves, and to keep on improving.