Family Wellness Tip

Being creative is more than just art. It is problem solving. It is thinking outside the box. It is finding new ways to get things done. It is creating beautiful things. Art and music can help. They can help the brain use both sides. Both sides of the brain working together in harmony. FINALLY. How can I help my kid to be creative? By starting with a squiggle.

No, seriously. Grab a blank piece of paper. Put a simple squiggle line on it (like the picture to the left). Hand it to your child. Tell them to look at the squiggle for a moment. Let them know they can do anything they like with it. Color. Paint. Make a scene. Make an animal. Anything that comes to their brain. Remind them that it may change as they start working. That is okay. Go with it. Find your inner Bob Ross and praise happy accidents. Allow them to see how far they can go.

The first time can be difficult for some kids. Its okay. Allow them to be frustrated. Allow them to use a calm down skill. Have them change negative talk to something different. Have them try the activity again on a different day, with a different squiggle.

Remember, we are trying to open up their brain to see things differently. This can be done with more than just a squiggle activity. Try looking at clouds and seeing the shapes that form and change. Watch rain drops fall. Look at the different shapes of bushes and trees to see what you can see. Have fun with it. Let go of your limits or blocks by not judging thoughts or ideas that come up. This allows for more taking more creative risks.