Experts say colouring activities stimulate optimal child development

Nutrition is the foundation for our children to grow and develop optimally. Yogyakarta (ANTARA) – Paediatric specialist Dr Devie Kristiani stated that drawing and colouring activities for children aged one to five can stimulate optimal development. Dr Devie, in Yogyakarta on Sunday, said that stimulating optimal development does not require expensive purchases like toys or costly items. “Daily activities such as drawing and colouring are sufficient to stimulate children’s optimal growth and development,” she said after attending a colouring competition collaboration between SGM Eksplor and Indomaret in Yogyakarta on Sunday. She explained that optimal development requires more than just genetics; children need a healthy and supportive environment, including proper nutrition. She added that the human brain develops fully when neural connections grow and multiply with external stimulation. “Stimulation must be appropriate – neither over-stimulating nor under-stimulating. Activities like drawing and colouring help develop concentration, fine motor skills, and emotional expression,” she said. She further noted that children aged one to five are in the golden age period, where physical growth and brain development occur rapidly. Meanwhile, SGM Head Anissa Ardiella Putri stated that more Indonesian mothers now want their children to grow up responsive, confident, and prepared for the future. She added that a mother’s role is no longer just caregiving but also being the first educator, helping shape how children learn, think, and express themselves from an early age. “Creative activities such as drawing and colouring provide positive stimulation for cognitive development, imagination, and creativity, while fostering self-confidence from an early age,” she said. She explained that child development results from a combination of appropriate stimulation, emotional support from mothers, and consistent daily nutrition.