Every person is gifted with special abilities that make them stand out. These abilities also serve as some sort of thumbprint that sets them apart from other people.
As parents, we have different skills and talents that make us unique as individuals and help us in some ways to fulfill our roles as parents to our kids. However, just because they’re our kids doesn’t mean that they automatically inherit our abilities.
Some of our children may have artistic and creative inclinations that we might not have. When this happens, parents who have no idea what it’s like to have an artistic and creative mind and temperament might be frustrated in dealing with their kids.
As parents, we need to allow our children’s natural gifts and abilities to blossom as these are part of their identity as individuals. If you think that your child is leaning towards the creatives, here are a few ways for you to help them become the best artist they can be.
4 Ways to Encourage Artistry and Creativity in Your Kids
Find out what your child’s creative and artistic inclinations are.
One of the wonderful things about parenthood is that there are tons of amazing things that you can discover and learn about your child. You think you know your child until they surprise you with a new ability or talent.
Find out which artform your child is interested and naturally-gifted in and expose them to more of the same art form for inspiration. Give your child access to things that will allow them to explore their creativity.
Sign them up for classes.
If you really want your child to further develop and grow in his or her talents, sign them up for classes. Even in a pandemic, there are plenty of avenues for your child to grow as an artist. You can find a wide range of classes from piano lessons to dance classes to calligraphy workshops. And within each category and sub-genre, there are a lot of classes offered by reputable teachers and instructors.
Expose your child to different art forms.
Sometimes children who have the inclination for arts are not just limited to one artistic and creative talent. Don’t be surprised if you find out that your child can sing, dance, paint, and write creatively. Sometimes talent doesn’t manifest outright until something triggers the child’s imagination and inspires them to try it out and pursue it.
The best way for you to help your child blossom as an artist is to expose them to different art forms and observe which ones they are interested in. Once you’ve identified which ones they like, encourage them to develop that talent.
Focus on the process and not the product.
This is an important aspect of rearing an artistic and creative mind in the family. Most people who aren’t artistically-inclined tend to focus only on the outcome and evaluate it based on their biases and preferences.
However, when it comes to art, there are no set standards for quality because in and of itself, it is merely self-expression. Don’t hold your child’s artwork to your standards because you measure things differently. Even if you’re an artist yourself, you have a distinct style and approach that may or may not be similar to that of your child.
Instead of focusing on how the product should be, highlight the entire process of creating. Artistry is all about creation and not just the product. Doing this will give your child a boost of confidence that will allow them to bloom into a fine artist that has a distinct style and approach to art.
As parents, our kids’ growth is largely dependent on how we raise them up. We need to accept who they are as individuals and give them all the support and encouragement they need to become the best possible versions of themselves.
