Ah, the joys of childhood. Running around, playing with toys, watching cartoons, and…wait for it…creating art? That’s right, folks, apparently engaging in artistic activities is important for a kid’s growth and development. Who knew?

According to some lady named Susan Magsamen, who is apparently an expert in this stuff, children who dabble in the arts are better problem solvers. I guess all that finger painting and coloring inside the lines really pays off in the long run.

But it’s not just about sticking some glitter on a piece of construction paper. No, no. This Magsamen lady says that art can help strengthen important brain muscles, like the prefrontal cortex, which apparently deals with executive function and memory. Who needs math and science when you can paint a pretty picture, amirite?

And it’s not just for the kiddos either. Magsamen suggests that adults should get in on the art action too. Just 20 minutes a day of some kind of art experience can regulate your nervous system and change how you feel. So go ahead, bust out that coloring book and let your inner child shine.

In conclusion, let this be a lesson to all the parents out there: don’t just throw an iPad in front of your kid’s face and call it a day. Encourage them to get creative and paint a masterpiece (or at least something that resembles a flower). Who knows, maybe they’ll be the next Picasso. Or maybe they’ll just end up with some colorful stains on their clothes. Either way, it’s a win-win.

Serious News: cnbc