More Than Half of Parents Say Their Child Avoids Creative Activities for Fear of Getting It Wrong

Children are giving up on drawing, making and pretending before they have started, because they are afraid of getting it wrong. In a survey of 2,000 UK parents of children aged five to 13, 56% said their child avoids creative activities for fear of making mistakes.

The research company Clariti carried out the survey between 2nd and 12th October 2026 for the rice brand Ben's Original, which is owned by Mars. The brand published the findings on 5th November as part of its campaign for BBC Children in Need, whose live show takes place on Friday 13th November. Because a food company commissioned the survey for a campaign, its figures are best read as a snapshot of what parents report rather than independent research.

Where the pressure comes from

Most parents believe childhood has become more pressured: 84% think young people today are under more pressure than ever. They point to 'perfect' creations shared on social media (47%) and comparison with brothers and sisters (42%).

Time is the other problem. Three in four parents (75%) worry that their child lacks time to be creative, blaming screen time (49%), homework (47%) and busy routines (29%). Parents themselves would like to join in, with 41% saying they want to do creative activities with their children, but work (62%), tiredness (50%) and chores (40%) get in the way.

Creativity does not need special materials

Childhood and parenting expert Sue Atkins, who worked on the campaign, argues that 'creativity doesn't have to mean expensive toys, elaborate activities or hours spent making things.' She points to the moments families already share, such as preparing dinner, making up stories and talking at the table, as chances for children to use their imaginations.

The dancer Ashley Banjo, who ran a plate-painting workshop at a youth club in London funded by BBC Children in Need, drew on his own training: 'You have to give it a go, get things wrong and keep going.' He said the same applies to children, who should not feel that everything has to be perfect.

Show your child that mistakes are allowed

Experts interviewed by National Geographic Kids suggest letting your child teach you something and making a deliberate mistake so that they can help you put it right.

Angus Fletcher, a professor of story science at Ohio State University's Project Narrative, told the magazine that 'creativity is a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time.'

Ask questions with no right answer

Open questions give children room to imagine. Try 'What if the dog could talk?' or 'How else could we get home?' The same experts recommend welcoming far-fetched ideas and building on them with 'Yes, and...' rather than correcting them.

Leave time and space for free play

Unstructured play, with no set purpose, is where much creative thinking happens. A corner with dressing-up clothes, cardboard boxes, building blocks and art materials invites it. If your child asks you to join in, follow their lead rather than taking over, which is also the advice in our guide to stepping back from helicopter parenting.

Notice what interests them

Ask about what catches your child's attention, even if it is not what you planned to show them. Time outdoors, investigating leaves, puddles and insects together, gives curiosity plenty to work with.

For a deeper look at why children are born creative and how stories keep that gift alive, read Born Creative, Not Consumers in The Quantum of Light.