I am undecided on how to react to children’s work. I do want to keep them motivated to learn how to do it better, but I see so many of my peers that are completely unable to handle criticism. They think that everything they do is the best, and instead of fixing their work or trying to get better through criticism, they become hostile. I think that this mindset stems from reactions to their work as children.
Interesting question.
Personally i don’t find it easy to criticise anyone, even constructive critisism. I fear confrontation too much.
When my younger cousins showed me drawings, I just commented on the bits i honestly thought looked good. Actually, the eldest, once he reached 10 he could draw better than me 
, so it wouldn’t be fair to criticise him in a subject i’m very poor at.
I think you should only judge a childs work by comparing it to previous things they themselves have done. Because individuals have different styles and some learn quicker than others. Say “The trees in this picture look better than in the last one, You’re really improving” Comments like that would be encouraging and help them understand what their strengths and weaknesses are.
If the child is a relation and you don’t like any part of their drawing, i don’t think telling them that would be very helpful. Because your opinion which is most important to the child, is just one of many.
Only if they have the guts to criticize me 
No…there’s art in everything, and every person’s got their own way of expressing it 
(And if that wasn’t smultzy enough for ya, then forget it, I agree with all of ya 
)
I’d try to tell them how their “art” isn’t so magnificent, but that they can get better the more they practice. If they were enthusiastic abouth their latest crayola monstrosity, I’d gladly give them the gift of humility in the form of a truthful talking-to.
It IS great. All art is beautiful, especially made by young children. It’s beautiful in it’s own special way.
I can’t criticize, because I don’t think there really is anything to criticize. It’s kind of capturing the happiness and innocence a young child feels into a picture. Sometimes I smile, laugh and say that it’s great. I ask what these shapes are, and they usually are really excited telling me what it is. Other times I try and recommend and teach them how to draw a bit better (although I’m terrible at drawing) and they’re usually excited for all of the attention the can get. 
I really think that inspiring them and giving them more excitement and enjoyment for what they did can progress them as an artist. They’ll develop their skills naturally and as they age I can slowly criticize how they draw.
…You guys are right. Kids need encouragement in order to improve. 
I think the best way to go about it is to critisize compared to the other things they can acomplish and compared to the kids talents. for example if a kid is good at drawing, you should encourage him and critisize him as compared to how he/she draws normaly. but if they are out of thiere element, depending on their age, tell them to do what they are good at and if appropriat critisize the work fully.
Yea i do a lot of reading about psychology.
you should say how “awesome” it is even if it isnt that good lol… its good for self-esteem and development and all that good stuff. however id only say its wonderful if theyre like 5 or younger
If it sucks, I’ll say it sucks. Regardless of age.
i don’t think we should tell a child that his art or anything sucks. You can either say “okay i’ll lie straight out and tell him its great.” or you can say “i recognise there is a beauty in the picture, that is reflected by the effort and passion that went into the work.” either way its better to be positive if its a kid.
Yeah, its definetely harmful to their self esteem to say their work sucks. And anyway, to the people who are saying its doing them harm to lie, remember, kids grow up and learn things on their own anyway. Like we all know what sucks now, and i bet we can all say we were still in primary school when we started to realise who had talent in art and who didn’t. 
I knew i sucked in the 5th grade, i didn’t need anyone to tell me or rub my frikkin nose in it. 
if your wife is pregnant and putting on weight, and she asks “am i fat?” do you tell her, “yeah, honey youre huge, what the hell happened?”. No, in special situations (kid looking for reassurance in their work, fat wife looking for reassurance about her figure) its okay to spare someones feelings.
Sorry to press the point 
There’s a difference. I’d care about my wife. But some kid I don’t know? No way. Unless it was my child, then constructive criticism.
I’d just say something like, “Oh, that’s really good! Maybe you could try…”
I don’t know, I sort of like kids…
There’s not much difference in the way i compliment children or adults as i don’t do that affectinate talking thing that people often do with kids. When i look at the painting, story etc. i just discuss the bits i like and ask them questions about it, show an interest.
Yes.
Will they take me seriously?
No.
Never have.
I criticised children (constructively and destructively), but did they ever take what I said to heart? Did they ever seek to improve themselves? No. They’re arrogant and self-absorbed and only listen to themselves and their mothers.
If you can’t tell, I absolutely detest children…
You used to be one…
I’ve seen some of your other posts. Are you bitter? 
Do you need a hug?
Nice try, everyone uses that excuse. However, I KNOW I was a pain in the @#$ as a child… so… I’m quite apathetic when I “criticize” kids.
And…
I have a different personality online than in real life.
I wouldn’t directly criticize a child, then again, as a child I was criticized a lot by everyone (especially my little paintings and stuff)…
I usually pretend the child did a great job ("that’s so cool, but) but then I’ll say something like ‘if you did X the whatever would be even better/perfect’). The kid usually then runs off with a smile to make the changes.
If I’ve been irritated by children that day I’d give a less positive response or I’d just ignore. (“try again.”)
When I was younger my parents and related individuals would tell me everything I did was great, even if it wasn’t. Today I’m a bit insecure as to what other people think of my artwork, and I have no real grasp on if a peice I produce is good or not. I might like it, but alot of the time I find myself thinking that all these people complimenting it are just doing so to be nice. So it’s not nessacarily a help to self esteem.
I’m the same.