"I can't carry a tune in a bucket." "A monkey could paint better than I can." "Poetry is for brainiacs." Those aren't kids talking, they're the words of their parents. And, without knowing it, they can do a lot of harm to children during their most creative years. From coloring with crayons to sculpting with clay, from banging on pots and pans to learning the violin, there are countless ways families can and should encourage their children to express themselves with music, art, and the written word. Here are some suggestions:
Keep some basic art supplies out and available for any time the mood to create strikes your children. Have something for them to draw with and something to draw on. Coloring books are OK, but the way to really stimulate your children's artistic talents is to let them create their own visions by drawing on blank paper.
Libraries, grocery stores, schools, and community organizations often have art or drawing contests for children. Keep a look out for them, and try to get your children to enter as many as they can-just for the fun of it. Who knows, they might even win.
Look for Reflections
Schools nationwide sponsor an annual competition at the school, district, state, and local levels called Reflections. It's a chance for children to spread their wings, creatively, and come up with original compositions in music, art, literature, or photography. All entrants receive praise and recognition, and the experience is priceless.
Take advantage of what's out there
Many communities offer summertime workshops for school children, sponsored either through the school district or community groups. From one- day poetry workshops to weeks-long art programs, there's usually something to interest every child. Learn what's offered in your area and sign your children up.
Take turns with other parents
Some art projects are time consuming, both for the child artist and their families. Work with neighbors or friends who have children near the same age as yours and take turns hosting both sets of children for an art adventure. It's less hassle for you and more fun for the kids.
Be patient
When children are first learning to play a musical instrument, it can be grating on the ears of those around them. Instead of wincing at the bad notes (and there are a lot of them in the beginning), tune out the mistakes and remind yourself that children who learn how to play an instrument often also do better in school, particularly in math.
Lay on the praise
The art projects, writing, and music they do at home should be for the joy of it, not for work. While they're drawing, writing, or practicing an instrument, give them lots of "good jobs" and pats on the back. Mentioning something specific that you like is even more helpful.
Children are exposed to writing, art, and music at school, but the way to make them excited about the creative arts is to make them a part of your child's at-home life. The arts give your children a way to express themselves unlike any other, and offer wonderful opportunities for them to grow. Do everything you can to make it happen.
