Childhood: a double-edged sword

 During the first years of our lives, we all experience moments that are memorable and that mark us throughout the years. For this reason, it is important that today's children know how to adapt their own environment to the arts in such a way that everything forms part of a coherent whole and helps them not only to develop as artists but also as people with their own values, ideas and feelings. 

Unfortunately, we have the so-called "childhood stereotype", which conditions the arts during the early years of arts education and if these misconceptions persist throughout the educational stage, they can become major barriers to understanding and exploiting their artistic abilities. 

 _ The first and most notable throughout childhood is gender stereotyping. This can translate into an undue attribution of certain aspects according to gender. For example, we see how traditionally delicate colours such as pink or purple have been attributed to girls and more powerful colours such as blue or orange to boys. 

_ Another common stereotype at this age is that of fairy tales and happy endings. From an early age, we are taught that stories feature animated characters to whom something happens and who always come out of the situation with a happy ending. Added to this is the stereotype of the always helpless princess who is rescued by the strong and courageous prince. 

_Another of the stereotypes of childhood is the prototype of feminine beauty. Originally, women were depicted as slim, tall and, more often than not, blonde. This message has been picked up by children for many years and, in this way, this stereotype is promoted in the media, social networks and, as far as pupils are concerned, in cartoons and children's stories and books.

These are just a few glimpses of the stereotypes that are constructed in childhood, and which have a direct impact on the arts. There is a need for change that encompasses breaking down all the stereotypes that create huge barriers for children and prevent them from seeing beyond them.

Therefore, there is a need for art teachers whose main purpose is to clean children's minds of the dirt made up of prototypes and misconceptions. This is the only way to develop people and artists with their own innovative thoughts and ideas.