What to Do When Kids Refuse to Join Art Classes After School

It’s not uncommon for parents to sign their children up for after-school art classes, only to find them dragging their feet or flat-out refusing to go. While it can feel frustrating, you’re not alone. Many parents in Singapore face the same problem, trying to balance giving their children structured activities while respecting their individual feelings and reactions.

Sometimes that reluctance comes from a place we might not notice right away. Rather than push harder, it helps to press pause and dig into what’s really causing the resistance. With some patience and a few small changes, you can often turn things around without making after-school time a daily battle.

Understand The Reasons Behind The Refusal

When kids resist something as enjoyable as art, there’s usually a reason that needs unpacking. It doesn’t always mean they dislike art. There are several everyday causes that might explain the hesitation.

Here are some common ones you might be seeing:

- They’re mentally or physically drained

Kids spend most of the day in school sitting still, concentrating, and following routines. Not every child has the same level of energy left by 4:00 p.m. For them, signing up for structured classes might feel more like a demand than a treat.

- They think their work isn’t good enough

Some children compare their creations to others and worry they’re not doing well. They might start believing that art is only for those who are naturally good at it.

- They feel uncomfortable in the setting

If the location is unfamiliar or they don’t know many other children, it can be overwhelming. Social fears, even if mild, can make even the most enjoyable activities tough to face.

- They simply haven’t connected with the class style yet

Some classes are fast-paced, while others are more relaxed. If the match is off, they won’t feel excited to go again.

One parent shared that her daughter used to cry before every Monday art session. It turned out she was the only one in her group who didn’t go to the same school as the others. Once her mum arranged for a neighbour’s daughter to join, everything changed.

Listening out for these cues can help you step closer to a solution that works better for both of you.

Communicate With Your Child

When your child refuses to go to art class, the first instinct might be to convince or bribe them into going. But taking a different approach, actually sitting down for a chat, often goes much further. Creating space for an open conversation builds trust and gives you a clearer view of what they’re really feeling.

Start with gentle questions that don’t sound too pushy. Ask things like:

- What felt tricky about class last week?

- Is there something about art time you don’t enjoy right now?

- If you could change anything about it, what would that be?

Avoid jumping in with answers straight away. Let them speak freely first, even if what they say feels unrelated. Sometimes the real reason surfaces after a bit of back-and-forth. Keep your tone light. If they feel like it’s a test, they won’t open up.

For younger kids, using storybooks or drawings can help them explain their feelings. Older children might respond better to casual chats during a walk or snack time rather than a sit-down talk.

By hearing them out without judgement, you may discover they’re not rejecting art altogether, just needing a small shift in how or where they experience it. Their feedback can be the first clue toward fixing the issue rather than powering through it.

Make Art Classes Fun And Engaging

Kids are more likely to join and stick with after-school art classes when they feel involved and excited about what’s coming next. If lessons always look the same or feel too formal, children may lose interest before they’ve even picked up a brush. Shifting the focus to enjoyment can help light that creative spark again.

Try looking at what your child is currently drawn to outside of class. Is it dinosaurs? Outer space? Animals? Some studios allow kids to choose projects within broader themes, so using their interests as a starting point makes the experience feel more personal. When children feel heard, they’re more likely to want to participate.

Another simple fix is adding a social layer. Kids often join activities more confidently when they have someone familiar beside them. If your child has a cousin, friend, or even a neighbour who’s also thinking about an art class, signing up together can make a huge difference.

Shortening trial runs can also help remove pressure. Rather than committing to a full term straight away, consider starting with a shorter holiday programme or Saturday session. That way, the entire experience feels less overwhelming and gives your child space to warm up.

Parents sometimes underestimate how much ownership matters too. If you allow your child to pick their own supplies or choose which day of the week works best for them, you're inviting them into the process rather than placing them on an already moving train. It’s about giving them a feeling of control, which, for some children, makes all the difference.

Encourage And Support Their Efforts

Once your child begins attending or even considering going back, your support at home becomes the quiet engine behind their progress. Positive reinforcement isn't about exaggerated praise, it’s about showing you see their effort.

Whether their latest creation was part of a group project or just a sketch from memory, take time to recognise what they've done. Instead of focusing on how pretty the art looks, talk about the process. Say things like, it looks like you used a lot of colours here, what made you pick those? Or, I can tell you took your time on this part.

Here are a few ways to keep their momentum going:

- Create a small display wall at home for their artwork.

- Keep art tools available should they fancy continuing at home.

- Let them explain their piece to family members during meals or visits.

Encouragement over progress, rather than perfection or style, builds confidence. Sometimes it’s just about letting them see how much joy their artwork brings to people around them. That can be more motivating than any outside reward.

Explore Alternatives And Be Flexible

If your child simply isn’t responding to their current class format, there’s no reason to treat that as the end of the road. Art doesn’t always need to follow one path. Being open to new schedules, group sizes, or approaches might uncover a structure that works way better for your child’s mood or energy levels.

Some families in Singapore have success with weekend art workshops instead of weekday ones. These offer more time to unwind after school and can feel like a break rather than an added task. Other options include signing up for short-term holiday art camps where the vibe tends to be more light-hearted and exploratory.

For younger children, parent-child art sessions can slowly ease resistance. Kids often come around once they see it as shared fun, rather than another thing to go to. It doesn’t take forever either. One positive class can turn things around.

Also consider whether your child learns better through structured lessons or open-ended creativity. Some kids thrive when given guidance. Others prefer the freedom to make and explore on their own terms. Matching your choice to their style gives them the best chance of feeling happy and relaxed during class.

No path will work for every child. You might explore two or three different options before hitting the one that sticks. That’s alright, what matters is that you stay open, listen carefully, and tweak things as you go.

Helping Your Child Find Joy In Art

Children’s interests shift, grow, and evolve, and their readiness to take part in art classes often reflects this change. Rather than seeing resistance as a red flag, treat it as a sign that something needs adjusting, whether it's the class type, timing, or approach.

When children feel supported, understood, and given the space to express their creativity in a way that suits them, a lot can change. Art becomes less of a job and more of an adventure, one that they can look forward to after a long day in school. Giving them time to discover what excites them creatively, while gently guiding the way, can open doors you never expected.

With patience and flexibility, after-school art classes in Singapore can become one of the highlights of their week, and yours too.

Encouraging your child to enjoy creative activities can be a delightful journey. If you're looking to nurture their talents in an engaging environment, explore our after-school art classes at Go Bananas! Art & Craft. We provide the perfect space for children in Singapore to discover and build on their artistic interests in a supportive and fun atmosphere.