5 Ways Being More Creative Made me a Better Parent
Parenting is a tough gig, and sometimes it feels like no matter what you do, you're always falling short. But I've found that being more creative has made a huge difference in my parenting journey. Not only has it made me a better problem solver, but it's also helped me be more patient, flexible, and connected with my kids.
In this post, I'm going to share 5 ways being more creative has made me a better parent.
ONE. Better at Problem Solving
Creativity is all about thinking outside the box and finding new solutions to old problems. As a creative parent, I've found that I'm better able to come up with solutions to the challenges that come with parenting. Whether it's figuring out how to get my kids to eat their vegetables or finding a way to help them with their homework, I'm able to approach problems from a different angle and find solutions that work.
And the best part? When I'm able to come up with a creative solution, my kids are often more receptive to it. They love when I come up with new games or activities to do with them, and they're much more likely to try new things when I present them in a creative way.
TWO. More Patience
Let's face it, kids can be frustrating. They don't always listen, they don't always do what we want them to do, and they can be downright stubborn at times. But being more creative has helped me be more patient with my kids. When I'm engaged in a creative activity, I'm able to slow down and focus on the present moment. I'm not worried about what needs to be done or what's coming next, I'm just focused on the task at hand.
This ability to be present and focused has helped me be more patient with my kids. I'm able to take a step back and approach situations with a calm and patient demeanor, which in turn helps my kids stay calm and focused as well.
THREE. Flexibility and Adaptation Skills
Parenting is unpredictable, and being able to adapt to changing situations is key. Being more creative has helped me develop my flexibility and adaptation skills. When I'm engaged in a creative activity, I'm constantly trying new things and experimenting with different approaches. This has helped me be more open to change and better able to adapt when things don't go according to plan.
This flexibility has been especially helpful during the pandemic, when so many of our routines and plans were disrupted. Being able to adapt to the changing situation and find new ways to keep my kids engaged and entertained has been a lifesaver.
FOUR. Inspire Kids
One of the best things about being a creative parent is that it inspires your kids to be creative too. When my kids see me engaged in a creative activity, whether it's painting, writing, or cooking, they get excited and want to join in. By inspiring them to be creative, I'm helping them develop important skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and self-expression.
And the best part? Being creative is just plain fun. When we're engaged in a creative activity together, we're able to bond and connect in a way that's different from our everyday routine. It's a great way to spend quality time together and create lasting memories.
FIVE. More Connection
Finally, being more creative has helped me feel more connected to my kids. When we're engaged in a creative activity together, we're able to let our guard down and be more vulnerable with each other. We're able to express ourselves in a way that's different from our everyday interactions.
This connection is so important for building strong relationships with our kids. When they feel like they can be themselves around us, they're more likely to feel loved, valued, and secure.
If you're interested in more ways to connect, check out this blog about the game Venture Forth!
Being creative - absolutely essential for healthy parenting! But it can be SO hard to find the time and to priotize it when you're a parent!
This is a big reason I offer a weekly Artist Hour through my Play with Purpose group. ZERO art skills are required - but it provides members three vital pieces to creativity:
- A starting place -- I give a prompt so you have parameters and it's easier to begin.
- Accountability -- there's a group, and we show up together to be creative. Having a community makes all the difference.
- Exploration without judgement -- It's not about your art skill, it's about the process. I'm a licensed therapist with many decades of leading creative expressive art groups. You'll feel safe and supported - and get the chance to hone that creativity for your and your children's benefit.
Roya Dedeaux is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a focus on using creative tools like art, writing, and recreation as a way to help teens and their families who don't quite fit the mold.
Roya’s first book, Connect with Courage: practical ways to release fear and find joy in the places your kids take you is the result of her background in Recreation and Leisure Studies and Marriage and Family Therapy and is the base of her Connect with Courage Parenting Course.
She loves running her private practice, creating art prompts for her
two online art groups, and running games and challenges in the
free Recreate Parenting Facebook community! When she's not doing that, she loves to make messes with her three wild & wonderful kids where they live and play hard in Southern California.
Connect With Courage
