Oh, how I miss the days of paint spills and paper cuts (covered in princess band-aids, of course)! As summer winds down, creative kids can get bored and, yes, fussy. It’s too hot to play outside. What’s a mom to do?
My all-time-favorite project was glow-in-the-dark pillow cases. We graduated to other glow-in-the-dark creations, too, as our creative kids grew up. Oh, the joys of playing chase outside in glow-in-the-dark T-shirts after dark!
Sure I have my own creative streak, but…
However, when my friend Neita Fran Ward asked me if I’d come on her radio show, Art Connections, I freaked out a bit. What! I like asking the questions, not answering them. (Find more with Neita Fran on our Media With Friends page.)
Mostly, I paint as an apprentice for my daughter, Anna. Basically, I paint with my grand babies in my lap and she fixes my mistakes.
Life-enriching Art and Culture
But, who can say no to sweet Neita Fran? So, I found myself surrounded by all the amazing art she showcases at her store, Valerosa Design and Gallery. We talked lickety-split about life-enriching art and culture.
Women of Influence. Her Wisdom: Unleashing Creativity with Neita Fran Ward
Nurturing Creative Kids
Next, our conversation moved on to ways young moms can nurture talent in their creative kids. At that, Neita Fran had me hooked. I relaxed. How do parents recognize talent when we see it? Can your creative kids be too artistic? I might have something to share on the topic of art after all. The show is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 16th. I hope you tune in.
I’ll probably mention our mutual friend, Tyler Junior College teacher, Derrick White, who partners every semester with the Tyler Museum of Art for tours. He also offers field trips to The Dallas Museum of Art, making sure students in our region get a full art education. He’s a genius at nurturing creativity in kids.
Glowing in the Dark
Nurturing the souls of creative kids is a little like creating a bright glow in the darkness of a culture that needs light.
If you happen to be a parent who feels unprepared to raise a creative kid (or even if you’re knocking it our of the ballpark), you’ll enjoy some of the dumb mistakes all parents make. Even naturally creative people like me get surprised all the time by our creative kids. For instance, I learned the hard way that glow-in-the-dark pillowcases come with draw-backs. Who knew glow-in-the-dark paint dries crusty, making it hard to sleep? Plus, it’s hard to calm down a slumber party when all the pillows are glowing!
God is Creative. So are We.
“But, I’m not creative,” you may think as you ponder God’s design for both you and your child.
Here’s the bottom line. All people are made in God’s image. The Bible tells us so in the first chapter of Genesis as God was doing what? Oh yeah, creating the universe! It’s safe to assume we’re all creative. I love that about you!
Women of Influence. Her Story: Discovering the Artist Within with Neita Fran Ward
May I pray for you?
Father, You know what it’s like to be the parent of creative, often naughty kids. You created us to be Your friends and companions in life in all the best, most wholesome ways. Yet, we lose track of our own creativity in the mundane chores of being a grown up parent. Ugh! Some days it’s just plain exhausting! Refresh us, O Lord, to be energized and ready for action with our creative kids today. Help us see past their messes to the amazing creature You designed. Give us joy in playing and creating with our children. Let us know You as our true and good, amazingly creative, Father. We love You and are grateful to be Yours.In Jesus’s name. Amen.
We love to hear from you!
What summer projects make you and your creative kids smile? When did a messy disaster turn into joy at your house? What’s the one thing you wish you knew how to do creatively?
Cathy Krafve, Texas Author, Columnist, Speaker, and Radio Host, focusing on fellowship in Marriage, Family, and Community, invites your stories, ideas, and questions at CathyKrafve.com. Truth with a Texas Twang.
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