In “Raising Creative Children Part 2,” I continue to share information about understanding the unique needs of our young artists. This week, I’m excited to share essential insights and practical tips to help parents and educators recognize the importance of providing time and space in a creative child’s daily life. By fostering an environment that nurtures their imagination and respects their need for unstructured moments, we can help our children truly thrive and develop their creative potential.
Following the enthusiastic response to Part 1, I continue our journey into understanding and nurturing the unique talents of our young creatives. We want to be aware of their needs so their talent can be fully developed.
Creative Children View Life Differently
A creative child views the world through a lens of endless possibilities, where every ordinary object holds the potential for extraordinary transformation. They see patterns, colors, and stories in the most mundane settings, turning every day into a canvas for their imagination. Their perspective is rich with curiosity and wonder, and they constantly seek to explore, understand, and reinvent the world around them.
Common Needs of Creative Children
Creative children often display a unique set of traits and behaviors that distinguish them from their peers. I could list many characteristics of a creative child, but these will help you identify the common characteristics :
Vivid Imagination: Creative children frequently have rich imaginations and enjoy inventing stories, games, and scenarios.
Curiosity: They often ask a lot of questions and show a keen interest in exploring and understanding the world around them.
Energetic: Creative children are usually energetic and enthusiastic, particularly when engaged in activities they are passionate about.
Resilience: They are often persistent and resilient, willing to tackle challenges and learn from failures.
Self-Directed: Creative children often prefer working independently and may resist conventional instructions or routines.
Depth of Emotion: They often experience and express deep and complex emotions through their creative outlets.
When we pay attention to what our creative children need, we can better nurture their creative potential effectively.
Creatives Need Encouragement
Encouraging your creative child doesn’t have to be complicated; small, everyday actions can make a significant impact. Here are some practical examples to help nurture and inspire your child’s creativity at home.
Provide creative time and space to think and form ideas.
Encourage exploration and experimentation: Allow your child the freedom to experiment with different art forms, materials, and techniques, encouraging them to take risks and embrace mistakes as valuable learning experiences.
Celebrate effort, not just results. Creative children tend to be more sensitive to failure, and they thrive when we praise their progress.
Teach them how to fail. Failure can cause them to produce better work.
Watch for naysayers who discourage your creative child.
Creatives tend to push the boundaries of everyday reason. We want them to take risks and be adventurers, innovators, and explorers, but we must be careful not to make them conformists.
Supporting children’s artistic journey not only fosters their talents but also contributes to their overall personal development. By encouraging exploration, offering support, and celebrating their efforts, you are not only helping your child develop their creative talents but also instilling confidence and resilience that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Have you ever wondered how to encourage and develop your child’s creativity without overwhelming them or stifling their natural curiosity? I have. Raising creative children taught me so much about how creative/artistic kids see and engage in the world around them that I started speaking on this topic years ago. This topic is so valuable to parents that I decided to dedicate two episodes: Raising Creative Children Part 1 and Raising Creative Children Part 2.
During this episode, I will share practical tips to help you cultivate a nurturing environment that allows your child’s imagination to flourish. Whether your child loves to paint, dance, write, or invent, they need you to guide and celebrate their creative journey. So, grab a smoothie, relax, and let’s embark on this exciting adventure together! 🙂
Before we talk about nurturing a creative child, you need to know how they think, feel, and experience the world. If you take time to learn some simple characteristics, you’ll enjoy the rewards of watching them grow and develop their craft.
Creative Children View Life Differently
A creative child views the world through a lens of endless possibilities, where every ordinary object holds the potential for extraordinary transformation. They see patterns, colors, and stories in the most mundane settings, turning every day into a canvas for their imagination. Their perspective is rich with curiosity and wonder, constantly seeking to explore, understand, and reinvent the world around them.
Common Characteristics of a Creative Child
Creative children often display a unique set of traits and behaviors that distinguish them from their peers. I could list many characteristics of a creative child, but these will help you identify the common characteristics :
Vivid Imagination: Creative children frequently have rich imaginations and enjoy inventing stories, games, and scenarios.
Curiosity: They often ask a lot of questions and show a keen interest in exploring and understanding the world around them.
Energetic: Creative children are usually energetic and enthusiastic, particularly when engaged in activities they are passionate about.
Resilience: They are often persistent and resilient, willing to tackle challenges and learn from failures.
Self-Directed: Creative children often prefer working independently and may resist conventional instructions or routines.
Depth of Emotion: They often experience and express deep and complex emotions through their creative outlets.
When we pay attention to what our creative children need, we can better nurture their creative potential effectively.
Supplies for Creative Children
By providing the right resources, environment, and encouragement, you can help your artistic children hone their skills and develop their unique creative voices. It’s about progress over perfection, nurturing imagination, and learning to fail and keep going.
Basic Supplies: Keep a stock of essential items like paper, pencils, paints, brushes, and clay.
Specialty Items: Occasionally introduce more specialized materials such as canvases, charcoals, or digital art tools.
Books and Tutorials: Invest in art books, online tutorials, and classes that cater to your child’s interests.
Your children look to you not just for basic needs but also for emotional and spiritual support. They need you to protect them from harm, teach them right from wrong, love them unconditionally, serve them with a joyful heart, and play with them. All these actions create lasting memories.
Practical Examples to Encourage Creatives
Encouraging your creative child doesn’t have to be complicated; small, everyday actions can make a significant impact. Here are some practical examples to help nurture and inspire your child’s creativity at home.
Provide creative space. Creative children need time and space to think and dream.
Encourage exploration and experimentation: Allow your child the freedom to experiment with different art forms, materials, and techniques, encouraging them to take risks and embrace mistakes as valuable learning experiences.
Celebrate effort, not just results. Creative children tend to be more sensitive to failure, and they thrive when we praise their progress.
Create diverse experiences: Encourage your child to explore various activities and environments, such as visiting museums, attending art workshops, or spending time in nature to broaden their creative horizons.
Encourage collaboration and sharing
When you add practical examples for your children, you will foster a supportive environment that nurtures and develops a child’s creative abilities.
Supporting children’s artistic journey not only fosters their talents but also contributes to their overall personal development. By encouraging exploration, offering support, and celebrating their efforts, you are not only helping your child develop their creative talents but also instilling confidence and resilience that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Have you ever paused to consider the profound impact you have on your children’s lives? In a world that often underestimates the significance of motherhood, it’s crucial to remember that motherhood is a ministry. It’s a high calling, a divine appointment, and an opportunity to shape the hearts and minds of your children in a way no one else can. The success of the next generation rests on your shoulders.
While others may dismiss the high calling of motherhood, they are simply blind to the truth. Mothers play an unmatched role in their child’s future success. We can’t believe the lies that moms don’t matter!
The Ministry of Motherhood
Motherhood is a ministry, a sacred calling bestowed upon us by God. In a society that often overlooks the profound importance of raising children, we must remind ourselves of the extraordinary role we play in our children’s lives. As mothers, we have the unique ability to influence, inspire, and shape the future through our daily interactions with our little ones.
One of the most beautiful aspects of motherhood is the ability to offer unconditional and enduring love. It’s in the quiet moments of rocking your baby to sleep, the joyful giggles during playtime, and the comforting hugs after a long day that you weave a tapestry of love that your children will carry with them throughout their lives. These seemingly small moments are the very essence of what makes motherhood a ministry.
The Attributes of Motherhood
Many mothers spend hours praying and asking the Lord to help them be the moms they desire to be. Friends, I want to encourage you by saying you will learn and grow in your role as a mother. Don’t be discouraged.
Nurturing: A mother’s touch is soothing, her voice calming. She knows how to comfort and care for her children in a way that no one else can.
Patience: Motherhood requires immense patience as you guide your children through their various stages of growth and development.
Selflessness: A mother often puts her children’s needs before her own, sacrificing time, energy, and sometimes even her own dreams for the sake of her family.
These attributes of motherhood underscore the profound truth that being a mother is more than just a role; it’s a divine calling. God gave you your children to teach and train for their good and His glory. But it will also require developing some personal attributes.
Personal Attributes of Motherhood
Wisdom: Mothers possess a unique insight and understanding, offering guidance and advice that can only come from deep love and experience.
Strength: A mother’s resilience is unparalleled. She faces challenges with courage and determination, always striving to do what’s best for her children.
Despite the world’s noise suggesting that motherhood doesn’t matter, it’s important to recognize that your role is vital.
Your children look to you not just for basic needs but also for emotional and spiritual support. They need you to protect them from harm, teach them right from wrong, love them unconditionally, serve them with a joyful heart, and play with them. All these actions create lasting memories.
Motherhood is a Divine Calling
Motherhood is a ministry. It’s a divine calling to influence your children in ways that only you can. While society may undervalue this role, remember that in God’s eyes, your work is of eternal significance. Your ministry as a mother extends beyond the immediate tasks of daily life; it touches the very core of who your children will become.
Feeling Overwhelmed and Overlooked
So, the next time you feel overlooked or underappreciated, remember this: motherhood is a ministry. It’s a beautiful, challenging, and rewarding calling that shapes not only the lives of your children but also the future of our world. Embrace it with all your heart, for there is no higher calling than to be a mother.
Remember, you are not just raising children; you are raising future leaders, thinkers, and compassionate human beings. Your role is vital, and your influence is immeasurable. Motherhood is indeed a ministry, and you are doing a remarkable job.
Keep leaning on the One who knows what your children need far better than you for wisdom. Keep going. You’re doing a remarkable job.
As a mom, you know how detrimental comparison can be. Today, I’ll be sharing five principles on a topic that I believe resonates with every mother out there: navigating motherhood without comparison. As a mother myself, I understand just how easy it is to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others. The seemingly perfect social media posts, the well-behaved kids in public, the moms who seem to have it all together – it’s a minefield out there. But today, I want to share with you five key points to help you steer clear of this comparison trap and focus on your unique journey.
To help you avoid the comparison trap, here are five essential points to help you navigate motherhood with confidence and grace
Abide in the Word
The first and most important point is to abide in the Word. As mothers, we need to ground ourselves in the truth of God’s Word. It’s easy to get caught up in the world’s standards and forget that our value and worth come from our Creator. Psalm 139:14 reminds us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we gain perspective and strength. It’s in these moments of quiet reflection that we are reminded of who we truly are and the unique path God has laid out for us.
Remember Your Purpose
Sometimes, it is hard to remember we are called to run our race. Every mother has a unique purpose. It’s easy to lose sight of this when we start comparing ourselves to others. Remember, your journey is yours alone. God has entrusted you with your children for a reason. When we focus on our purpose and the special role we play in our children’s lives, it becomes easier to tune out the noise and focus on what truly matters. Embrace your individuality and celebrate the unique gifts you bring to your family.
Avoid Motherhood Comparison with Humility
Humility is a powerful antidote to comparison. When we serve others with a humble heart, we shift our focus from ourselves to those around us. Philippians 2:3-4 encourages us to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Serving with humility helps us to appreciate the journey of others without feeling the need to compare. It fosters a spirit of community and support rather than competition.
Even in Biblical times, mothers were concerned about the success of their children. The mother of John and James came to Jesus, requesting, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom” (Matthew 20:21). While the other disciples took offense at her request, surprisingly Jesus did not rebuke her for her desire but instructed, “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (26). Following the way of Christ and humbly serving others is the path to greatness in motherhood.
Consider the Person Comparing
Sometimes, we are our own worst enemies. The person doing the comparing is often ourselves. It’s important to recognize this and extend grace to ourselves. We all have moments of doubt and insecurity, but these moments do not define us. Acknowledge your feelings, but don’t let them control you. Remind yourself that you are doing your best, and that is enough. Give yourself the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a friend.
Cultivate Gratitude Not Comparison
Finally, cultivating gratitude can transform our perspective. When we focus on what we have rather than what we lack, we begin to see the beauty in our lives. Start a gratitude journal or take a few moments each day to reflect on the blessings in your life. Gratitude helps to shift our focus from comparison to contentment. It allows us to appreciate the little moments that make motherhood so special.
As we navigate motherhood without comparison, our journey is filled with great joy. It’s crucial to remember that comparison is a thief of joy. By abiding in the Word, remembering our purpose, serving with humility, considering the person comparing, and cultivating gratitude, we can find peace and fulfillment in our unique path. Until next time, take care and cherish every moment.
If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and leave a review. It’s a great way to support the show and only takes a few seconds. It helps us reach more families when you do this. ~Thank you.
Have a Question or Want to Book Connie to Speak?
Want to contact Connie with a question? Want Connie to speak at your event? Contact Connie here.
You can reduce kids school year stress so they can enjoy this season of life. Most kids experience stress when faced with end-of-year exams, graduation, and other requirements. Helping children learn how to manage their stress levels will allow them to finish their year with excellence and gain confidence in the process.
While the end of the year can be an exciting time, it doesn’t come without a measure of stress. I mean, trying to juggle assignments, final exams, and graduations can put a lot of pressure on your children. So, what can you do to help your children manage it all? How do you know if your kids are getting overwhelmed?
Last week, I discussed When Children Move Out on Equipped To Be. This week, we are discussing Reducing Kids School Year Stress. While obstacles and stress are common, kids have to learn some principles that can help them navigate them well and possibly change their future.
Many experts believe there are signs parents should look for as the school year comes to a close. That’s why I’m excited to share this episode with you and your family. I want you to know how to help your kids manage stress so they can know what they can do in future situations.
What Should Parents Look For
Are they acting up or lashing out? Are they struggling to get sleep or trying to stay up all night to study? Do they fear failing? Pay attention to the words they say and their body language. When kids are under stress, their actions will tell us how they feel.
When you know how your child thinks, feels, and processes life’s challenges, you have an opportunity to encourage them in a way they will understand and appreciate.
I like to begin by gathering as much information as possible about the circumstances. The more you know about their schedule the more relevant your instructions can be.
When are the exams? What time of day? Find out how they feel about the subject matter.
Tell your child they are learning valuable life management skills, not just academics, during this period of time.
Help your children put the time in context. Tell them to think of this as a sprint, not a marathon. Using visuals helps some kids understand better. For kids, having a grasp of time can reduce anxiety and stress.
Pray and ask the Lord to give you wisdom as you teach your children.
The benefits of carefully identifying what they need from you are that your help will be better for them. Once you have all the information, I recommend assessing their sleep, daily schedule, study habits, fears, and whether additional tutors are needed.
Reduce Stress with Sleep and Schedule
Parents know the importance of sleep, but kids don’t fully understand that. Which is why they often stay up too late and get up early to prepare for a final exam. But learning to shut things down at a decent hour so they can get sleep will improve their performance. How can we do this?
List what needs to be done. Then, prioritize them.
Silence cell phones and/or put them in another room. This will remove the temptation to scroll on social media or talk with friends when one should be sleeping.
Set an external alarm that reminds them what they are supposed to be doing at specific times. I use one word: focus, math, science, reading, etc. Doing this helps them get back on track if they get distracted.
Create a schedule and put it on the refrigerator. This will make the schedule the enforcer, not you.
I’m sure you and your child can add more things they can do to get enough sleep and create a workable schedule.
Don’t Ask Too Many Questions
Asking some children too many questions can actually increase their stress. Simple checking in with questions like “How are your studies going?” or ” How are you holding up?” can be just enough to let you know you are interested and available if they need you. Saying confident boasting statements can also help.
I know you’ll do your best.
I believe in your ability to handle the pressure.
If you have specific concerns or see your child not making the effort to do well, you can speak up. But first, remember your goal and how they will receive what you say.
Overreacting Increases A Child’s Stress
Wanting kids to excel in their studies is good, but if we aren’t mindful of our expectations, we can show disapproval if they don’t achieve our standards. Keep in mind the goal during this season. We want kids to learn how to manage stress when they are under pressure to perform. If they don’t get the grades or pass the exam with what they or you wanted, don’t immediately start telling them what they did wrong. That won’t help them. Most of the time, they already feel bad.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Tell yourself the truth about a situation. You didn’t fail your child.
Tell your child the truth about the situation. Your child will learn from this failure and do better next time.
Ask the Lord to help you find what your child did right. Don’t make your child feel worse than they already do because they know what they did or didn’t do.
Remind your child that God has a plan for them, and it is for their good.
Doing this takes practice. I’ve had to watch my kids work through failing, missing the cut, not putting in enough effort, and not managing their time well, but they learn valuable lessons every time.
Help Them Improve Their Grades
It’s not uncommon for kids to struggle in some subjects. Expecting them to be superior in every school subject would be unrealistic. If your child expresses concern, ask them if they think a tutor would be helpful. Or, if you know the subject well, offer to be a study partner or do flashcards or other creative ways to learn and retain the information that is needed.
Most Important: Ask Them How They Feel
Asking a child how they feel makes them feel loved and cared for. When I was writing Parenting Beyond the Rules, my research showed that most kids don’t think their parents are interested in what they are learning. And their number one complaint was that their parents didn’t listen to them. Oddly enough, most parents don’t feel like their kids want to talk to them.
So, if you show interest in what they are doing, ask the right questions, help them create a schedule, get enough sleep, and avoid overreacting if they underperform, your relationship will flourish, and they will learn how to manage future stress when life gets challenging.
If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and leave a review. It’s a great way to support the show and only takes a few seconds. It helps us reach more families when you do this. ~Thank you.
Have a Question or Want to Book Connie to Speak?
Want to contact Connie with a question? Want Connie to speak at your event? Contact Connie here.
Welcome to our heartfelt discussion, in which most of us are never really prepared to let go of our children. We can remember toddler days, middle school meltdowns, and high school proms. But what about when children move out? It’s a pivotal moment that every parent faces. I wasn’t prepared for the wave of emotions that would overwhelm me when our first child moved out.
Today, I’m focusing on the profound act of letting go and releasing our kids with grace into the world. As we navigate this transition, we’ll explore what it means to step back while lovingly holding a supportive space. This episode is filled with insights and stories to guide you through the emotional nuances of watching your children carve their own paths. I pray this episode will be of help to you as you learn how to embrace this bittersweet milestone with open hearts and a generous spirit.
Many experts believe there are signs parents should look for as the school year comes to a close. That’s why I’m excited to share this episode with you and your family. I want you to know how to help your kids manage stress so they can know what they can do in future situations.
Reshaping Our Connection
Letting go of our children as they venture into adulthood is a bittersweet journey that all parents must face. This essential transition involves understanding that our children naturally seek independence, a vital part of their development.
As parents, our role evolves from being hands-on guides to supportive advisors. It’s also a time to redefine our relationships with them, transitioning to an adult-to-adult dynamic. This process isn’t just about stepping back—it’s about reshaping our connections to respect their new-found autonomy while continuing to offer love and support from a new perspective.
Understanding the Transition
Navigating the journey from childhood to adulthood is a pivotal aspect of both parenting and a child’s development. Understanding the nuances of this transition is essential for maintaining a healthy and evolving relationship as children grow into independence.
The Natural Progression
The Natural Progression:
Children’s pursuit of independence is a natural, healthy part of their growth. From the early days of asserting their preferences in clothes and food to making significant life decisions such as choosing a college or a career path, this drive for autonomy is crucial. It prepares them to face the world with confidence and resilience. As they grow, this need for self-sufficiency becomes more pronounced, manifesting in their desire to explore, make their own mistakes, and learn from them. Acknowledging this progression is essential for parents to understand that stepping back is not a sign of losing connection but rather a necessary phase of development that supports their child’s journey toward becoming a well-rounded adult.
The Parent’s Role
The Parent’s Role
As children edge toward independence, the parental role must undergo a transformation. The transition from being the primary decision-maker to a guide on the sidelines can be challenging. Parents need to shift from hands-on management to offering advice and support when asked. This doesn’t mean parents become less important; instead, their involvement becomes more strategic. It’s about knowing when to step in and when to let children navigate their own paths. This advisory capacity helps build trust and respect in the relationship, showing children that while their parents are always there for support, they also believe in their ability to make decisions.
Redefining Relationships
Redefining Relationships
As children mature, the dynamic between parent and child must also evolve to reflect an adult-to-adult relationship. This redefinition is crucial for maintaining a healthy, respectful bond. Parents and children need to learn to interact on more equal grounds, discussing life’s challenges and successes without the hierarchical implications that typically define a parent-child relationship. This might involve setting new boundaries and finding new ways to communicate that respect both the parent’s wisdom and the child’s autonomy. Successfully navigating this shift can lead to a richer, more fulfilling relationship that continues to thrive as both parties acknowledge and adjust to their evolving roles.
This evolving relationship paves the way for discussing specific examples that illustrate how you can effectively guide and support your children as they navigate the complexities of adulthood.
Strategies for Letting Go
As your child grows and steps into the world as an independent adult, you must adapt and embrace this new phase of life as a parent. Here are some heartfelt strategies for letting go that can help ease the transition and foster a positive transformation in both your life and your child’s.
Seek Community
You’re not alone in this journey. Many other parents are experiencing similar feelings as they adjust to their children growing up and moving out. Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can be incredibly comforting and enlightening. Whether it’s joining a support group, participating in community activities, or simply sharing stories and tips with friends, building a network of support helps lighten the emotional load and provides a broader perspective on the transition.
Practice Self-Care
As you navigate this chapter of letting your child step into independence, it’s crucial to remember to take care of yourself, too. Prioritize your own well-being, both emotionally and physically. It’s not just about finding peace with the changes around you but also about replenishing your spirit and strength. Whether it’s through meditation, a new hobby, or regular exercise, nurturing yourself ensures you have the energy and positivity to support your child—and embrace your own journey of growth and rediscovery.
Keep Perspective
It’s vital to keep perspective on what letting go truly means. Remember, releasing your grip doesn’t signify an end—it’s an important part of fostering independence in your child. By letting go, you’re not losing a relationship but transforming it. This is a time to celebrate the role you’ve played in your child’s journey to becoming a confident, self-reliant adult. Embrace this as a natural, positive step in life’s cycle that opens up new possibilities for you and your child. Embracing these strategies not only helps you let go with grace but also enhances your ability to enjoy and appreciate this new stage in your relationship with your child. It’s a journey worth celebrating, filled with growth, love, and new beginnings.
Final Thougths
As you prepare for a new season of life, it’s important to hold close to the beautiful truth that letting go isn’t about losing a part of our journey with our children but rather an essential step in their growth and ours. Celebrate the amazing individuals your children are becoming—their resilience, successes, and the paths they are carving for themselves. Remember, while your role as a parent evolves, it remains profoundly significant. Your ongoing support continues to be a cornerstone in their lives, adapting to meet the needs of this new chapter. Embrace this change with a heart full of pride and a spirit ready to support them in new ways. Let’s look forward to the wonderful things ahead, cherishing every moment of this transition.
If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and leave a review. It’s a great way to support the show and only takes a few seconds. It helps us reach more families when you do this. ~Thank you.
Have a Question or Want to Book Connie to Speak?
Want to contact Connie with a question? Want Connie to speak at your event? Contact Connie here.
