Introducing your child to the arts will allow them to develop themselves in all areas of their life, not just the artistic ones. Participating in the arts can allow children to develop confidence, improve their intelligence, and help them to develop artistic and creative skills that will benefit them throughout their entire life and in their future careers.

Engaging in the arts has been proven to be an important aspect of childhood development. According to PBS Parents art can help a young child in their development of language skills, decision making, visual learning, and motor skills. According to a report by Americans for the Arts, students with significant arts involvement were 4 more times more likely to have been recognized for academic achievement, 3 times more likely to win an award for school attendance, and 4 times more likely to win a writing award than their peers. Data from the College Board found that students who took four years of arts and music classes scored an average of 92 points higher on the SAT than students who only took a half-year or less of arts classes.

Participation in the arts will benefit your child in their future career, no matter what that may be. A report by Americans for the Arts found that 72% of surveyed employers say that creativity is a primary attribute they are looking for when hiring, yet 85% of them said that they couldn't find the creative applicants they were after. Additionally, 85% of college-educated full time employees surveyed said that creative thinking is essential for problem-solving in their career. Participation in the arts can additionally teach other skills, such as focus, communication, perseverance, collaboration, and accountability which would be beneficial in any career field, and in life in general.

I personally have experienced the influence that the arts have had on my personal development. Participating in theatre, music, and dance has improved my confidence, introduced me to diverse groups of people, helped me to be more vulnerable, and helped me to better understand others. I learned how to collaborate and work well with others. I learned how to be a leader. I learned that my voice matters. The arts have helped me discover who I am, and be confident in showing the world who that is. I would not be the person I am today without my extensive training in and exposure to the arts.

So, parents, let your child take that dance class. Allow them to audition for their school musical. Enroll them in an art class. Take them to the symphony. It's an investment you won't regret. And students, seek out opportunities to be involved in the arts on your campus or in your community. See a theatre or music performance, visit an art museum, join an acapella group. It will benefit you in more ways than you'd expect.