Raising Creative Kids

As an artist I often get asked from parents "how can I encourage my kids to be creative! I'm not creative at all!" and its a perfectly reasonable question!

We already know (from all those child experts out there) creativity is super important for our kids. It helps kids express themselves, find joy in what they love to do and expands their ability to think outside the box and apply creativity across all other aspects of their life growing up.

So firstly, parents who think you aren't "creative" because you might not be artistic - thats all good! Artistic ability has zero to do with your creativity! At least the way I see creativity is its the ability to think differently, put your own spin or style on something (anything!) and your passions! Its your unique view on the world & how you put your own mark on the things you love doing!

Kids are naturally creative! They already want to experiment and try things out! They love to make a mess because it's the best way to learn & make mistakes and gain skills in creativity and expression. It isn't about telling or showing your kids "the right way" to do things or deciding if their creations "look good" or not. Its about providing them with tools, paints, markers, coloured pencils, whatever you like and allowing them the space to express whatever they want to! No need for direction or any input from you at all!

So go get a jar of coloured pencils for your kitchen counter, or some paints & brushes from Bunnings and allow your kids the access & opportunity to get creative, to be messy and have some fun expressing themselves!

*Bonus Tip! If you are worried about your walls, floor, furniture or clothes getting messed up - Keep your old newspaper to lay down on your table before kids get painty! And a cheap/ old oversized shirt will make a great art smock & keep paint off your kids clothes!