5 Ways to Build a Sketchbook Habit with Your Child

From the perspective of a certified k-12 art educator (and mom)

As both an art teacher and a mom, one of the most powerful materials to spark and nourish creativity is a sketchbook. When I first began my teaching career almost 20 years ago, creating personalised sketchbooks with my students was essential. There are SO many benefits to encouraging children to keep a sketchbook, like providing stress relief, emotional regulation, create ownership and autonomy of their work, build confidence and so many more positive benefits to a child's well being. 

To do clear, drawing in a sketchbook is very different than just "making art". Though they may seem like the same thing from an outsiders perspective, as an art teacher teh sketchbook is often times where the magic is. The beginning stages, the experimenting, the idea exploration, the identity, the personal story and interests, and so much more. A sketchbook is not  a place for “perfect” drawings, but a space for doodling, jotting down ideas, a safe place to land in moments of boredom, and a safe space for emotional expression. Want to know the best thing about a sketchbook? It's so easy to build a  sketchbook habit. You just might need a few easy tips to help encourage your kiddo to build a sketchbook habit at home or on the go. But don't worry- I gotcha! Let's explore some easy tips now :) 

1. Make It Easily Accessible

Kids are more likely to use their sketchbook if it’s within reach—literally. We keep our Quell Case stashed in the car, making it super easy to toss in a backpack, grab before heading into a restaurant, or take it with us as we head to the park. But you could keep them on hand perhaps next to your couch, or on an art cart, or maybe even near your kitchen table, ready and waiting for your little ones when they are having their breakfast.  When art supplies are easily accessible, tidy, and ready to go, you create an open invitation without even realizing it. Suddenly creativity becomes part of the rhythm of everyday life.

Pro tip: Don’t wait for “art time.” Let drawing show up in the in-between moments—while waiting for dinner, during car rides, or even at a sibling’s soccer game. Sometimes we know as parents when we suggest something it can be easily shut down, but if you just so happen to have supplies ready and waiting, it's amazing how often they are sought out. 

2. Keep the Prompts Simple and Open-Ended

Of course with anything creative you are bound to hear "But I don't know what to draw" so when that moment comes here are a few tips for providing drawing prompt ideas

- Give a prompt from their real life like:

• “Draw your dream breakfast.”
  

• “Sketch what made you laugh today.”

• "Design your own bedroom"

-Make it funny by having them draw the unexpected:

• Combine two of your favorite animals together
• Turn the members of your family into monsters!

Give them the role of a designer:

• Design a robot that could do your chores
• Design a new type of sneaker
• Design a mansion for a celebrity

Braindump together: Have them write down a list of random ideas to keep on a piece of paper tucked into their sketchbook or sketchbook case to pull out whenever they need some inspiration! 

You can also check out this link from my other blog that provides you with a list of 40 Free Drawing Prompts for Kids. 

3. Join Them (Even if You Don’t Consider Yourself an Artist)

One of the best ways to model creative habits? Sit down and draw with or next to your child. Whether you are making your own piece of art or collaborating with them, you don’t need to be an expert—just the act of sharing a sketchbook moment together sends a powerful message that creativity matters. You are modeling so much more than drawing- you're modeling emotional regulation, stress relief, self care, and the act of slow living. It's such a nice way to unwind for both of you... and the best part? It doesn't involve a screen. 

4. Celebrate the Process, Not the Product

Instead of focusing on whether a drawing is “good,” try asking questions like:

• “What made you choose those colors?”

• “Tell me the story behind this character.”

• “Did you enjoy drawing that?”

• "What is your favorite part of your drawing?"

Encouragement like this builds creative confidence—something that’s way more important than perfect proportions.

5. Create Small Routines (but Keep It Light!)

Try gentle routines like:

• Drawing during breakfast as a way to wake your brain up for the day

• Sketching one thing from your day before bed

• A weekly “sketch challenge” you both do together

You’re not trying to add one more thing to your to-do list—you’re offering an outlet that can actually help kids wind down, self-regulate, and grow their imagination.

Sketchbook habits don’t have to be perfect. They don’t have to be daily. They just need to feel doable and enjoyable. And when kids know their creativity has a place (and a case!), they start to see themselves as artists—and that’s where the real magic happens.

If you're looking to make it easier than ever for your child to start sketching anywhere then be sure to check out our Quell Case!  Portable, kid-friendly art kit that makes creativity on the go a breeze. I hope you and your kiddos love it as much as ours do!