This is post 2 from the Artist/Mother Tips for Creative Kids Series.
As an artist and mother, to one creative kid, I have learned these tips in the best way possible... by experience! So let's take a look at my tips for inspiring creativity in kids!
The tools should always be available.
If the guitar is always within reach, the colored pencils are just a grab bag away, it makes it so much easier for your kids to get creative whenever the urge strikes them. If things are out of sight, then it's out of mind! My daughter has her own space for creating in a corner of my studio. It's filled with colored pencils, markers, oil pastels, acrylic, and watercolor paints. She has her own easel and canvases. She has a loose set of studio rules but she can use it whenever she wants. (Our studio rules: change into a paint t-shirt, clean up after yourself, respect the space and the tools, if Mom is painting you can work beside her but don't expect her to drop what she's doing to tag team over your project lol)
Other things completely at her disposal: all of my craft supplies (just ask before use). These include a hot glue gun, felt, sewing kit, paper clay, jewelry supplies, yarn, diy weaving loom, wood chips, cardboard, wire, etc. With these supplies she has made herself toys, books, weavings, embroidery art, fairy houses, and all kinds of things, all on her own or with minimal help.
Give them space to find/ do it their way.
Back off! Especially if your kid is finding they are into the same thing you are. My daughter is also a visual artist. She loves drawing. I have to balance when to teach her a new technique and when to let her creative freedom take over. I believe the younger they are, the more you let them just groove to their own beat. (I still struggle with this sometimes!)
The key to getting them hands-on and creating on their own is to allow freedom of expression. Teach them how to use the tools, watch them until they've got the hang of it, and then leave them to their project. Let them know that they can ask for help when they need it. It's their project, don't micromanage. Freedom to follow their own ideas is what sparks creative problem-solving.
Encourage them with genuine compliments. Point out unique things about their work. Make it specific. "I love the texture you created for the tree bark." "Wow, that G chord is so clear now! Your practice has paid off!" Let them know that you are proud they have found something that they love and brings them joy.
When they get frustrated, let them know it's okay to take a break and it's good to fail.
Support your child's unique personality. Most importantly, don't push your child into practicing or improving to the point that their passion for something turns to resentment. Just like adults, children will have ebbs and flows, or sometimes, just lose interest and that's okay. Sometimes I'm in the studio every day and sometimes it's been a month since I made any art. Now if I had someone on my back when I'm in my slump, it would probably take me a lot longer to get back at it.
If your child is frustrated because they feel they aren't making something that's up to their expectations, remind them that every great artist failed over and over until they got it right. Practice is essential and failure makes room for growth.
If they become really serious about their hobby and frustration arrives, help them through it. It's okay to take breaks or to try something new. Let them know that you've been there too.
When to enroll in classes?
If they are really serious about guitar or watercolors let them know that they can continue to be self (or parent) taught but that, if they want, they have the option to take classes. I think many parents jump to lessons too quickly and it kills the creative spirit within the child. Too much structure right away isn't always what's best. Some kids need to play and learn freely and curiously before they're ready to learn in a more structured, and sometimes challenging, environment. They need to fall in love with it in order to be challenged by it. Check-in with them to see when they're ready for this next step. And if you do, make a point to find a good fit. Not every teacher will be a good fit for your unique kid.
Lead by example.
Let them see you practice your passion. Be it music-making, writing, woodworking, gardening, or painting, it doesn't matter! Kids are sponges, if you love something and work hard at it your kid will eventually see the value in passion projects and hobbies too.
Collaborate and share
If you engage your kid in your creative pursuits then they will share theirs with you. When you're getting dressed, ask them if you should do these boots or those sneakers. Do I add the vintage leather jacket or would the colors in the wool sweater compliment this better? When working on a painting ask for their advice in the same way you would ask another artist. My daughter gets really serious and gives great thoughtful advice. If you treat them like a creative equal, then they really fill that role! Creative collaboration is just another way to spark the creative mind. It also encourages them to come to you when they need advice.
New experiences
An easy and fun way to inspire kids is to provide them with new experiences. Take them to the beach, go on a forest hike, etc. Try a new activity together. Take them to an art museum. If they like to draw, tell them to bring a sketchbook or just let them integrate their experience in their own time and in their own way.
Autonomy
This is the most important tip and I think you may have been able to sense a theme here. Your child is a one-of-a-kind being! Children need choice, freedom, and respect especially if you want them to thrive creatively. Let them explore their inner world and ideas. Let them be who they are.
These tips will have you well on your way to a creative household! Supporting your kids unique needs and ideas will deepen your relationship and gift them with a lifetime of creating!
Further reading resource:
The Unschooling Handbook: How to Use the Whole World As Your Child's Classroom
Book by Mary Griffith
Trying by Kobi Yamada
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