Creative Making

Creative making is a gateway to many positive emotions, including flow, authorship, and connection to something bigger. You don't need to be "creative" or "talented" or worry about whether your child is either. The point is to explore materials and ideas, and follow one move after another. This leads to a state of flow, where one loses a sense of self and time, and is guided by the creative process, which feels more like it is unfolding through you, rather than you are exerting yourself to do.

Children usually get into this state quite naturally (this is why it can be hard to get them to stop doing things!), but as adults we have a more developed sense of time, and an internal critic and to-do list than can make it harder to surrender ourself to creative making and flow.

1. Allow time for flow

For better or worse, creative projects can take up a lot of time. Younger kids will have a limited attention span, but as they get older, the amount of time kids can spend on art, music, or other creative projects is almost endless. For this reason, it is nice to allow time, to get into the zone (flow), develop a concept, and work through various solutions.

On the flip side, however, don't not start a creative project because time is limited. If you have supplied handy, there's no reason not to pull out the paints 30 minutes before soccer practice for example. Sometimes ideas and project marinate better with some time away. Try to be flexible, enjoy the making, and give it time - whether in one session, or several.

2. Embrace imperfectionism in creativity

One of the best things about making with kids is that they don't have the same preconceived notions about art, composition, how things should go other, and that is "good" and "bad" as adults do - who have been steeped in the cultural conventions of art for a long time now. Take the lead from this non-judgmentality and consider and celebrate all the unique products of your creativity.

3. Be playful when making

Embrace opportunities for playfulness during creative making sessions. Use the materials in funny ways, or act out characters being drawn. Making art is a way to process salient issues and emotions, and levity can sometimes be just what is needed.