Creativity and the Crew

So far this summer, I have taken more of the observer role, and let my children discover their interests. Nothing is ever written in stone because they are still young, and the world is theirs to still discover.  The one thing that I encourage and try to nurture with all four of them is their creativity. Slowly, they are figuring out what they like, and possibly what they are good at doing. I want all four of them, to look and explore all avenues of creativity and interests, and not pigeon hole themselves into a neat little box.

For example, Devin. Since he was a little guy, ALWAYS wanted to be an architect; he still does. He's my planner and my builder...always has been.  Before we hit high school with him, I suggested that he figure out other interests. Who knew he enjoyed cooking and baking? He took some cooking classes back in grade 7 and enjoyed the process of planning and creating meals.  It has definitely been his creative outlet. During this past school year, while taking Food Studies, he cooked us some fabulous dishes; and now, is currently perfecting his baking skills for the upcoming Priddis/Millarville Fair.

Christian was always into trains when he was little. In the past few years, I've noticed a real artistic side emerge with him. If he isn't building Lego, he's filming, drawing or doing photography. He also has a knack for piano. The music just oozes out of him. He completely immerses himself in whatever activity he is doing.

Sophie loves her music and loves her guitar. I can always find her in her room by the window seat strumming and humming. She loves to write songs too. She's also discovered that she enjoys writing poetry. She's quite the private person when it comes to her creativity though, (takes after her momma) and that's OK. She's still figuring things out.

Emilie is still young enough (as they all are) that her creativity comes from play. I love watching her immerse herself in her own little world of dolls and games. She's also interested in sewing; and we are learning together on that front.

Why encourage creativity? Why not? As moms we know that its the freest form of self expression. I have four kids, and four different forms if not more, of their self expressions. I love this! I love to just watch that grow. I'm their biggest cheer leader when it comes to self expression. Creativity...and it does not matter what they create; whether it be food, drawings, music or play, gives them a sense of self worth, and can boost their confidence. We as parents...as mothers... must encourage them in a positive manner, and open up all channels of opportunities for them to create. Not only does it help them out intellectually, but you're creating memories with them.

"Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it" ( Proverbs 22:6)