painting & parenting: life lessons learned through creativity

this article was prompted by this video.

consider this setting to be the art class of our homeschool! art is not only such a big part of my life, but a staple of life in its entirety! (ya know, earth without art is just eh) my son has always shown interest in art even outside of witnessing mine. i was reluctant to deeply involve him in my painting because as a dedicated momma trying to make space for herself, there are some things i have encouraged myself to keep sacred. however, knowing how much artful creation has grounded, comforted, and invigorated me i found a way to share it without relinquishing the whole of what the activity does for me personally. i decided to do art in a new way; i decided to do art his way.

i listen intently to my son, and in doing so i now innerstand his view that it is difficult doing what his parents say all of the time. so, in addition to art being a fun and mindful activity it has become a wonder-full way to provide him with what he has been seeking. this is now one of a few ways in which he can be in control, safely and appropriately. as we were painting, i realized just how much we were both being poured into! applying the showcase of wisdom i am instilling in my child to our activity is a bonus.

here is what we have been learning:

1. his opinion of himself matters most. so long as he is not hurting himself or others, he should like who he is, what he does, and how he does it.

2. no compliment can cover the cost of his self-confidence! mommy (and others) can lend, but he must invest in it himself to see true profit & inner-wealth.

3. art, like opinion, is subjective. we can do things differently & authentically without being “wrong.”

4. control is fleeting. we do not have to make art happen, or anything else really. we simply allow it to become. it is often at the times we surrender to flow that we experience the most joyful rewards.

5. imagination is a measure of intelligence! we do not need to seek wonder from outside sources all of the time. sometimes the wonderment we are meant to experience comes right from us!

6. there is always more that can be done. however, wisdom, awareness, and responsibility can signal us when enough is enough.

learning does not have to look a certain way to be immersive and effective. standards and structures apply where we accept and apply them. i choose to give both me and my son grace and freedom in the ways in which we learn: together and from one another. art allows us to flow freely from student to teacher without judgement and frustration, which is really how we operate in every aspect. for this i am grateful! to utilize my intuition in every area of my life is a true blessing.

thank you for reading! feel free to leave a comment (you must be subscribed to the site) and share with your loved ones. get your plan for more content like this!

peace & blessings