Today’s activity is one that’s fabulous fun for children and parents alike. It’s all about showing children how quick and easy it is to transform their drawings, paintings, and art using Artificial Intelligence (‘A.I.’). With help from a parent, magical results take just minutes to accomplish, and each transformation is often incredible. It’s also clear that the finished results truly honour children’s creations, while simultaneously elevating them to new, highly professional digital art imagery. What’s more, the tools that achieve this are freely available to families via desktop computers and smartphone apps.
Let’s dive in, then, to see how children and parents can take children’s art to magical new heights — easily, and in just minutes. We’ve also included some ‘before’ and ‘after’ images to exemplify what’s possible using the right approach. Parental or adult supervision is, of course, essential, particularly for the youngest children.
Why Introduce A.I. Digital Art Transformations to Children
This activity will encourage children’s art, communication and creative skills, and boost their understanding of today’s world. While some may be nervous about introducing youngsters to A.I., it’s a technology that’s ubiquitous — embedded all around us on computers, smartphones, and countless other devices. Indeed, today’s children are likely to grow up with it being a normal part of their lives. Many will grow up using A.I. daily at home and in the workplace, and some may even end up in a career that involves it. So, what better way to introduce artificial intelligence to little ones than via a responsible parent who has their best interests at heart? Such a parent can closely supervise them and ensure they use A.I. safely and responsibly. With that in mind, today’s A.I. art activity is a simple but fun way to help them see the technology’s potential, and to generate digital art that they can call their own and be proud of. Bringing their art to life in this way will also demonstrate that their imaginations, ideas and creations have enormous potential, are valued, and therefore matter.
Bringing children’s art to life will demonstrate that their imaginations, ideas and creations have enormous potential, are valued, and therefore matter.
Here’s a clickable gallery showing what’s possible when you ask an A.I. tool to transform a child’s art:
Steps to Incredible A.I. Transformations
Step 1: Make a Drawing or Painting
Step 1 is for children to do what they often do best: draw or paint something on a sheet of paper. If they need some ideas, an image of one or more people, animals, monsters, robots or what they might imagine to be aliens would be a good place to start. They can include anything they like around the main character or focus of the piece, be it a background of a home, forest, mountain scene, alien landscape, or indeed nothing at all — because asking the A.I. tool to insert some kind of background is also something they can do (see Step 4).
Step 2: Photograph or Scan Your Child’s Art
Once the child is happy with their drawing or painting, the parent should scan or take a smartphone photo of the image from above and save it, noting where it’s been saved. Try to avoid casting any shadows across the art when you photograph it, and ensure the results are clear before moving to Step 3.
Step 3: Upload it to the A.I. Tool
The next step is to upload the saved photo to the A.I. tool. For most A.I. tools, this is usually done simply by clicking the + symbol in the chat window of your chosen A.I. tool (more about those below) and selecting the appropriate instruction (upload, or add photos/files, as appropriate). Then, ideally, include your instructions for the A.I. tool within the same prompt or, failing that, immediately after it in your next prompt. See Step 4 below for our recommendations.
Which A.I. Tool?
There are many different A.I. image-generating tools available to families, including powerful ones that are free to use, within certain limits. ChatGPT is perhaps the most well-known and has a fabulous image-generating tool, directly available from the chat prompt via the paperclip symbol (whether via its website or its smartphone app). However, ChatGPT has fairly stringent limitations on the number of image transformations it will produce per hour or day, particularly when the system is busy, and transformations may be a little slower than with some other A.I. tools (paid upgrades are available to reduce some of those limitations).
A good alternative for families to start off with is an A.I. tool that’s less stringent yet more accessible. ‘Copilot’ would be an excellent choice on Windows 11 PCs because it’s embedded into that operating system. Another good alternative would be Google Gemini, which is accessible directly via any web browser by clicking our bold, blue link.
Either way, an image can be uploaded from the A.I. chat prompt by clicking the + symbol, subsequently choosing ‘Upload’ for Copilot, ‘Add photos & files’ for ChatGPT, or ‘Upload files’ for Gemini.
Other A.I. tools are available, but the suggestions above are a good starting place. Parents will need to do their own research around functionality, any image generation limits, possible fees if they want to upgrade, privacy, image ownership, etc.
Step 4: Give the A.I. Instructions
Once your image has finished uploading to the A.I. chat prompt, the next step is to write your instructions, ideally in the same prompt window or, failing that, in the very next prompt that you make. Such instructions tell the A.I. tool what you want it to do with the image you have uploaded. You can give it some simple instructions, which will allow it flexibility to make many of its own decisions, or feed it highly detailed instructions that give you much more control on the final output. Your child can be involved in such instructions, of course, and this can all be a part of the creative fun! Such an option may work best once they’ve learnt what the A.I. tool is capable of doing, having perhaps transformed their first few pieces of art.
What Can You/Your Child Ask the A.I. For?
What you can ask the A.I. tool to do with your child’s drawing or painting is only limited by your (or their) imagination! For example:
- You could ask them to transform it into a cartoon style if you want to keep it simple (for example, in the style of SpongeBob SquarePants or The Simpsons).
- You could ask the A.I. to transform a scribble of a robot into a high-definition one that takes the same form but looks every bit like it’s made of painted metal and resides in a futuristic city.
- You could request a transformation in the style of a Pixar movie. For example, with the main character(s) having shaggy fur, bright colours, all set in the interior of an imaginary spacecraft with illuminated buttons and futuristic furniture.
- Another option would be to request the output to be in the style of clay characters of the kind you’d see in a Wallace & Gromit animated movie.
- Or ask for the final image to be in the style of a wooden puppet, a fabric soft toy like you’d see in a child’s nursery, or indeed something that looks like it is from Toy Story.
- You could perhaps ask for something that looks like your child’s drawn character comes from Sesame Street or The Muppets.
- Be aware that you can also specify the type of lighting (soft, hard, backlit, etc.), what the background should be, what the location is, what style of image it should be, and even whether any elements of the child’s original drawing should be ignored, adapted, or substituted. If you/your child has something in mind, simply tell the A.I. tool.
Step 5: Wait for the Amazing Results!
Once your child’s drawing or painting has been submitted along with the appropriate instructions, it’s a case of waiting a minute or two for the results. Be prepared for a “WOW!” from both yourself and your child when the generated image appears, because the results are usually incredibly impressive. The A.I. tool will have taken the essence of your child’s creation and elevated it to incredible new heights.
Here are a few more examples, which are clickable for a larger view:
We had the most fun creating today’s post! And, if it’s fun for adults, just imagine how enjoyable children will find the activity. With the help of a parent or carer, they’ll see their creations come to life in incredible ways. They’ll be able to see how simple drawings can be absolutely transformed into high-resolution, highly detailed, professional-looking imagery that would not look out of place in an art gallery, on TV, or in a cinematic movie. What’s more, they can let their imaginations strive for new heights by suggesting exactly how their images should be enhanced. Would they like their drawing to look like a character from The Smeds & The Smoos, something from a Minions movie, more akin to a cartoon character like Peppa Pig, or something that would look at home in a soft toy shop? With today’s A.I., they can let their imaginations run riot, wield truly powerful tools, and reach for the stars to transform their art into truly magical results. It takes just minutes — and can be achieved totally free of charge. After printing out the results or saving the images digitally, children will end up with something they can be proud of. More importantly, though, they will come to understand what magic is possible from something they have imagined and created.
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Childhood passes so quickly — a blur of breakfast times, nursery drop-offs, and bedtime stories. Yet every so often, something extraordinary happens: a moment that will light up a child’s eyes and linger in their memory for years to come. These are the magical moments that they never forget. They’re also moments that help shape how children see the world, their place within it — and sometimes even themselves.
Psychologists tell us that children build their sense of self through experiences that stir strong, positive emotions — especially awe, wonder, joy, and belonging. These feelings act as emotional anchors, shaping how safe, capable, and loved a child feels. When parents or caregivers create a moment that makes a child’s heart race or eyes widen with joy or wonder, they’re not just giving them a fun memory — they’re helping to build emotional security that lasts well into adulthood.
Magical childhood memories do not require grand holidays or costly toys. They’re far more likely to spring from connection, surprise, wonder, and imagination.
On a clear night, gently wake your child and wrap them in a blanket to watch a meteor shower or count shooting stars. Tell them about the Northern Lights, how they can wish on a star, how astronauts are planning to travel vast distances to Mars, and give them inspiration for their dreams. The quiet awe of the night sky will stay with them forever.
Leave a tiny note or drawing from the “garden fairies” or “forest pixies” thanking your child for something kind they’ve done — perhaps watering houseplants or helping a friend or sibling. It’s a simple act that blends imagination with a message of kindness and care. Perhaps take it a step further and encourage little ones to make mossy beds for the fairies, and a little home-made miniature shelter for them to sleep in. Take photos of them as a memento for your child.
Create small rituals that return every year — picking flowers in springtime to display around the home, having a “summer-solstice supper” in the garden, or putting out biscuits and carrots on Christmas Eve for Santa’s reindeer — be sure to show your little one how the carrots have been nibbled on Christmas morning! Such traditions will give children a comforting rhythm and a sense that life’s changes can be filled with fun and joy.
Pause for half an hour to watch the sunrise or sunset together, make wishes while blowing dandelion seeds into the breeze, or follow a butterfly in the park to see where it leads. These small acts teach children that magic is woven through the everyday world — they just have to stop a while and notice it sometimes.
As adults, those memories often become emotional landmarks: the glow of torchlight in a tent, the spectacle of a meteor streaking across the sky, the distinctive smell of campfire food being carried on the wind, and telling stories beneath a blanket. Such recollections help shape optimism and emotional well-being long after childhood ends. They are also the moments that, years later, children will recall fondly and still talk about.
Tantrums are a common part of life with toddlers and under-fives, but when they happen, they can be very challenging! Whether it’s a meltdown at dinner time or a dramatic on-the-floor outburst in the middle of the supermarket aisle, they can test even the most patient of parents and carers. However, it’s important to understand that tantrums aren’t a sign that something is wrong — they’re actually a normal, healthy stage of child development.
In their early years, children are still learning how to manage big emotions. There’s a mismatch, though; their brains are developing rapidly, but they haven’t yet mastered language, impulse control, or emotional regulation. So, when they’re tired, hungry, overstimulated, or frustrated, it can all become too much for them. 
When a tantrum starts, staying calm yourself is key. Your child will take emotional cues from you, their trusted adult. If you can remain steady, even if you’re feeling flustered inside, you send the message that you’re in control—and that they’re safe.
Avoid reasoning or explaining too much during a tantrum. When a child is overwhelmed, they’re unlikely to take much in. It’s often best to wait it out and stay close so they know they’re not alone. For some children, a gentle touch or hug might be helpful. Others may need a bit of space before they’re ready for comfort.
Offering limited choices — like “Would you like to wear the red jumper or the blue one?” — can also give them a sense of control without overwhelming them.
At first glance, this devotion to a single story might seem puzzling. As adults, we crave novelty and variation, and it’s tempting to encourage children to explore new titles or gently steer them towards something ‘different’. But this desire for repetition is not only entirely normal for infants, toddlers and preschoolers — it’s actually a sign of healthy development. In fact, there’s a great deal happening beneath the surface every time your child requests a beloved book for the umpteenth time.
There is also an emotional component to repeated reading. When a child hears a favourite story in the voice of a parent or trusted adult, it creates a strong sense of connection. The warmth, tone and rhythm of familiar words spoken by someone they love reinforce a feeling of safety and belonging. For many children, this shared experience becomes part of their routine, and returning to a much-loved story can offer comfort in moments of transition, tiredness or uncertainty.
One of the clearest benefits of repeated reading is vocabulary development. Hearing the same words and phrases over time helps children internalise them. This is especially important when books introduce new or more complex language than a child might hear in everyday conversation. By encountering those words again and again in a familiar context, children begin to understand them more deeply and even start to use them in their own speech. The rhythm and rhyme found in many favourite books further support this by making the language more memorable and easier to imitate.
At home, parents or carers can support this by continuing to follow a child’s lead. If your child keeps choosing the same book, that’s a good thing — it means they’re connecting with it. You can enhance the experience by reading with enthusiasm, pausing to let your child fill in familiar lines, or asking gentle questions like “What happens next?” or “How do you think they feel here?” If your child wants to tell you the story instead, even better — this kind of role reversal strengthens memory, language, and storytelling abilities.
Eventually, children do move on. When they’ve had their fill of a particular book, they’re often ready to explore new stories with a richer set of skills in place. The comfort and confidence gained from repeated readings help them approach unfamiliar books with greater interest and less frustration. So rather than seeing repetition as a rut, it’s helpful to view it as a bridge — a way for children to move steadily from the familiar to the new.
Our practitioners are skilled at making repeated reading feel fresh and interactive, even when the story is already very familiar. By using expressive voices, gestures, and encouraging children to join in with key words or sounds, we help bring the story to life each time. Children are often invited to take on the role of storyteller themselves, turning pages, pointing to pictures, and even “reading” aloud from memory. These small but powerful moments help build confidence and strengthen communication skills in a way that feels natural and joyful.
Summer is in full swing from late June until late September*. It’s a wonderful season that brings with it many amazing things for children and families to look out for in nature. Indeed, that’s what today’s suggested activity is all about. We’ve created a free-to-download poster that highlights 20 things from nature that children, including under-fives, can look out for when they’re outdoors†. Whether it’s in gardens, on walks with family members, at the park, or out in the countryside, summer’s natural wonders are incredibly abundant when you take time to look.
Concepts involving numbers and counting can sometimes be tricky for some preschoolers to grasp. Making sense of such concepts is important, though, because many aspects of children’s day-to-day lives will require an increasing understanding of numbers as time passes. Whether it’s knowing if a quantity of something is more or less than something else, how much of an ingredient is required in a mixture, or what change to expect from a purchase, children will need to grasp number-based concepts — and understand their real-world applications. What’s more, they’ll need to do this sooner rather than later if they’re to thrive, not least when they leave early years settings to begin school.
Making ‘number cards’ with your child will be a fun and useful first step. These could be as simple as small pieces of paper or card, each having a single large number written clearly on them. Alternatively, your child could take the opportunity to get more creative. For example, you and your child could make the numbers bright and colourful, have patterned in-fills, or even be made to look like animals or number ‘characters’ that have eyes. For the very young, start with numbers up to 5, or go to 10 or even 20 for older and more advanced children. Size-wise, perhaps aim for cards sized at about A6 (a quarter of an A4 sheet) or even A7 (A4 divided into 8).
A more advanced form of the number cards could depict the correct number of dots (or other drawn objects) instead of — or as well as — the actual written number. So, for example, the ‘3’ card could show a column or row of 3 round dots or squares or even something like 3 drawn strawberries — whatever your child likes! In a way, it’s a bit like traditional playing cards where each has both a number and the right amount of hearts, diamonds, clubs or spades on it, to match the number.
This next game will require a set of dominoes or, if you don’t have a set, they’re also easy enough to make in a similar way to the number cards. As you may know, each half of every domino has a number of dots, most commonly from 1 to 6. So, for example, there might be two dots on one end and five on the other, with the dot formations being rather like those you’d see on dice.
Understanding whether a quantity of something is more or less than something else is an important concept for children to grasp. Similarly, being able to estimate a quantity is a useful and practical skill for little ones to master. Such concepts can easily be highlighted, and the skills mastered, using simple estimating games. Some examples follow.
Pretending to be a shopkeeper or a shopper buying from one is a great next step for children. What’s more, they’ll naturally love playing shops having, no doubt, accompanied parents to real shops. This is where they can put all the things they’ve learned from the games above into practice. They can check they have the right quantities, weights or volumes or products, check they’re giving the shopkeeper the right amount of money, ensure that any change is correct — and so on! Playing shops is such a great way to master numbers, counting, estimating, weighing, addition, subtraction and more!
Work at least 16 hours or more per week at the National Minimum Wage
May’s World Bee Day is a wonderful and very worthwhile International event. It’s also one that’s perfect for children, including under-fives, to get involved in. Not only does it raise families’ awareness of the importance of bees and pollinators, but it’s also a great opportunity to introduce little ones to some of nature’s adorable little creatures and get them more interested in the natural world. 
World Bee Day arrives on the same date each year — the 20th of May. The annual event celebrates bees and other pollinators and the important role they play in the world. Without them, there would be no food crops, fruit, vegetables, or nuts, leaving animals — including humans — in real mortal danger. The event also raises awareness of the plight and dwindling numbers of bees and other pollinators around the world, shining a spotlight on ways to reverse their decline.
Children naturally take to planting seeds, tending seedlings as they grow, and watering plants and flowers. That’s great because it gives many opportunities for 
Wherever there are flowers, children will find bees, particularly if the flowers are brightly coloured and fragrant. A walk around the local neighbourhood, park, or natural open spaces will be both great exercise and an opportunity for little ones to spot some lovely bees and pollinators. Getting outdoors (appropriately supervised* and dressed) is beneficial to children in many ways, and a bee-spotting walk will be a simple way to introduce them to these important and cute little creatures. Can they spot a bumblebee? Can they spot a bee collecting nectar in their leg pouches (also known as pollen baskets or corbiculae)? Which 
If the weather is unsuitable for outdoor activities, one of the easiest bee-related activities that children can take part in is making bee art. They can try drawing bumblebees, flowers, and hives with pencils, pens, or markers. Alternatively, they can get even more creative using paints or collages. Cutting up coloured tissue paper shapes and making bee-related images using appliqué is sure to be fun and impressive (child-safe scissors being used by parents or under super-close supervision). Parents can perhaps cut out any tricky shapes for the youngest children and then help guide them as they glue bee, flower, or hive elements into place.
Bee art can be extended further by creating three-dimensional models and shapes. With a little help from parents or older siblings, even children under five can take part. They will enjoy sticking shaped paper or cardboard pieces and other recycled materials into place to form three-dimensional bees and flowers. Useful materials for such models could be things like corrugated card, tissue paper in various colours, coloured pipe cleaners, fabric, kitchen roll cores, paper plates and cups and, of course, coloured paints to decorate the final piece. Such creations can be as simple or complex as families like. This is a great activity to boost fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination!
Children can get into bee-inspired fancy dress while doing their waggle dance! Striped clothes will help. Perhaps parents can help them make wings from card or material and shaped wire. Some antennae should not be too difficult to make from a headband, some pipe cleaners and some homemade pom-poms or foam balls from a craft shop. Children will love such creativity and the fun that ensues with friends once they’re all dressed up!
The bee-related activity ideas suggested in today’s post will be a fabulous way to introduce children to these magical little creatures, the wonderful work they do for us and the planet, and the measures little ones can take in their own lives to improve the plight of the natural world. The activities will also be fun and educational — indeed supporting many areas of 
