Here’s what they really mean when they say 🥱 “I’m bored”

If your child seems “over it” when it comes to drawing lately, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve lost interest in art.

In fact, it might mean they’re growing as an artist in ways that are harder to see.

“I Don’t Feel Like Drawing Anymore.” What’s Really Going On?

At some point, every creative child goes through this phase:

🚨 They used to draw all the time—but now their sketchbook is collecting dust.

🚨 When you suggest drawing, they shrug or say they’re bored.

🚨 You wonder if they’re just moving on from art entirely.

Most parents assume this is a natural shift in interests.

But here’s the truth:

Boredom usually isn’t about losing interest—it’s about feeling stuck.

Most kids don’t actually want to quit art.

They just don’t know how to move forward.

Why "Just Keep Drawing" Doesn't Work

When kids hit a creative plateau, they often:

🔹 Draw the same things over and over (characters, poses, styles they’re comfortable with).

🔹 Avoid challenges because mistakes feel frustrating. It’s not worth the risk of failing.

🔹 Lose confidence because their progress isn’t as fast as before.

So when they say they’re "bored," they’re really saying:

"I don’t know what to do next."

Here’s what they need to understand—

Being more critical of their art than before actually can be a good thing:

1. First, it means their standard is higher because their skills have come such a long way!!!
2. Second, it probably means they’ve developed their “artist’s eye” and are observing the shortcomings in their art now. The better an artist gets, the more critical and discerning their eye becomes.

Now they’ve reached a plateau, and don’t know how to move forward.

And if they stay stuck, that’s when they say they’re bored and risk moving on from creative pursuits.

And this is when parents can make a huge difference.

How to Help Without Pushing Them

✅ 1. Ask: "What’s something you wish you could draw better?" or “What’s Frustrating You Right Now?”

That usually works better than suggesting what they draw.

🎯 Why this works:

• Redirects boredom into curiosity.
• Taps into their existing motivation (instead of forcing new ideas).
• Turns learning into a solution, not a chore.

When they tell you what’s frustrating them, ask if there’s a Youtube tutorial, an art class, or a how-to-draw book that could help them with this.

This makes learning feel helpful instead of forced.

They need a roadmap for improving.

Easing them into it gently, without pressure, is key.

And when it’s their choice, it’s always more powerful.

✅ 2. Draw With Them (Even If You “Can’t Draw”)

If you want to gently re-engage their creativity, you could sit down and draw with them too.

You could do a collaborative project, or even have them teach you a thing or two.

🎯 Why this works:

• Takes the pressure off (it’s not about “getting better,” it’s about having fun).
• Strengthens connection—lots of kids love when their parents join in.
• Reminds them why they started drawing in the first place.

Even if you’re terrible at drawing, that’s a bonus!

Seeing you enjoy the process (filled with all the mistakes along the way!) shows them that creativity is about the process, not perfection.

Maybe you could even let them teach you a thing or two. Lots of kids love that switch in the power dynamics. 😊

What If They’re Still Not Interested?

That’s okay. Don’t force it.

Instead, invite them to explore new creative inputs:

✔ Watch behind-the-scenes videos of animators, comic artists, and illustrators.

✔ Go to a museum or comic shop—not to “study art,” just to get inspired.

✔ Buy some messy new art supplies and draw or paint on a massive canvas or massive piece of paper (in other words, switch it up!)

✔ Flip through an art book or video game concept art. (Type in “The art of [insert your favorite movie or videogame]” on Amazon and see what you find. I love these types of books.)

Sometimes, kids just need to see creativity in action—they need to see what’s possible and a glimpse of how to get there— to reignite their own spark.

Hopefully this equips you with plenty of ideas to try next time they say…”But I don’t know what to draw!”

Stay creative,
Daniel
Kids Cartoon Academy

P.S. If you want to help them stay creative—even when they’re tempted to give up…

Inside Kids Cartoon Academy, we support kids through the natural ups and downs of creative growth—so they don’t feel like quitting when things get hard.

🎨 They get fresh ideas and fun challenges to reignite their interest.

🎨 They learn that boredom and frustration aren’t the end—they’re part of the process.

🎨 And they stay engaged, motivated, and proud of their progress—even when the spark doesn’t come easy.

Want to see how it works? Click below to check it out