Preen your pre-teen’s creative steam!
A good parent always wants the best for their child. But what do you do when you don’t know much about your child’s interests? Often times children will exhibit talents and skills that the parent does not possess. Mom or Dad wants to foster this, but how?
When it comes to a child’s artistic ability, too many parents are a blank slate. The best first step to take is to admit to your child that you don’t know what path to take, but are willing to find the answer. Children are highly perceptive, and if a parent tries to placate them with less than qualified direction, they will grow to resent it, themselves for their poorly developed skill, and in many cases, Mom or Dad.
When it comes to the arts, there is no wrong genre to pursue. A creative child will embrace the initial opportunity to sample and explore various outlets for their creativity. Drama, dance, music, visual and written are just a few options. Specialization can come later. On the other hand, you may have a renaissance child on your hands and they’ll develop many different skills. Regardless, observe carefully and talk to your child about how they feel and if they enjoy the experience, and encourage them to succeed. Make sure they give whatever they pursue an honest chance (the “college try”) but don’t pressure them to continue if it is truly counter-productive to their creative development.
Still not sure how to begin? Your child’s music or art teacher can be your best partner in your quest. Ask them their opinion on the best avenues to pursue. Many will be aware of after school programs, weekend workshops, summer camps and so on to pursue.
Another great source can be the parents of other creative children. Talk to your child’s friends and their family about your interests. You’re sure to find support and direction – or at least have help looking for a good program.
It can only help them in the long run. Intellectually in holistic brain development; socially in expressing themselves creatively and without pressure or shame for what they feel; vocationally in that employers appreciate those who have a variety of interests – they are the better problem solvers, better at “thinking outside of the box” and consequently, better leaders.
Here are a few fun lessons to try at home together that will “jump start” the creative process in you and your child:
1.) For creative writers, play a little stream of consciousness. Write continuously for as little as a minute – no matter if it makes sense or not. Set a timer and let your thoughts flow. Not only will you be able to determine your frame of mind, but it will also help you settle down and focus better on more developed projects.
2.) For visual artists, pick an energetic piece of music – classical works best, something with a variety of tempo and intensity. Lay out a large piece of paper and grab a handful of crayons. Let the music be your guide and draw how it makes you feel. Ask yourself, “if the music was a color, what color would it be?” Don’t worry about the “quality” of the work. Just explore the space. Practice a variety of lines and shapes.
3.) For the musically inclined, a similar experience with piano or drums can be quite fulfilling. Have them “play an emotion” and try to guess what it is. The more a child can tune into their feelings, the better they will be at dealing with their influences – both pro and con.
4.) For the child that likes to dance, try a little competition. Play some fun music and take turns “topping” each other. It’s all tongue-in-cheek, but it will give them the security to challenge themselves while they develop new moves.
Remember, the potential is limitless!
Tags: Art, creativity, teens