Doodling

From Here (no need to click and read the whole "family style" page)

Brett Helquist, the illustrator of A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket, began drawing at age 3 and was always fascinated with treasure maps and pirate ships. .

"The best thing about doodling is that you have a blank canvas to draw whatever you want … no rules, no boundaries," said Helquist, who has tips for parents to help encourage children's doodling:

Keep drawing supplies accessible throughout the house and in the car, so they always have the opportunity to doodle.

Come up with new ways to spark your child's imagination. Have them doodle their favorite character or create one of their own. From there, they can create their own cartoon.

Designate a day of the week where everyone in the family can come together to doodle. (Hint: Cover the dining table with white butcher paper and let doodlers decorate his/her place setting.)

Create a doodle art gallery on your refrigerator, so they know their drawings are special.