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Encouraging Teens’ Creativity In The Home

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Encouraging Teens' Creativity In The Home

 :: Encouraging Teens’ Creativity In The Home ::

This is a place I want to collect thoughts on a teens’ creativity. The roles of both the children and the parents.  It’s not specifically about my children, or a craft or a recipe or a hair color… it’s the concept of finding the balance in the home to allow our young ladies and gentlemen to branch out beyond our interests and choices as parents and find what really gets them pumped!

And it’s a place where we can learn from each other! – we can even learn from each others’ teens! What ways do you encourage their imaginations?  Are there areas that are a challenge to you in your effort?

Or what ways did your parents encourage you?  Did it play a big part in developing you into the person you are today?

Vlogging has been an interest to my daughter, Madison. I never in a bajillion years would’ve thought this would be an area of creativity for her. She really taught me about herself as she pursued this interest!

 


 

Creativity can take on so many different forms and that is what keeps it so full of life!!  You could be setting a tone for inspiration in the kitchen with a new recipe, or researching a band your kids are just begging to see, or digging through the library in the DIY section for books on a particular topic.   So many options…. so little time!

 

Encouraging Teens' Creativity In The Home

Encouraging Teens' Creativity In The Home

Encouraging Teens' Creativity In The Home

Throwing new ingredients together in different combinations is very liberating! There are some things I follow a recipe for, but I really enjoy winging it in the kitchen.  Kendall put together an incredible cold barley / vegetable salad seasoned with fresh herbs, garlic, and balsamic vinegar. Yum!

Encouraging Teens' Creativity In The Home

Let’s hear from some young adults on the subject of creativity and its importance!  I asked several between the ages of 15 and 20 to give me their thoughts on the impact of having creativity encouraged in them.

Joshua

“I think all the video games, social media, youtube, and tv are slowly killing my generation’s imaginations -(im not saying that they’re wrong im saying we should use less of them) and being creative has alot to do with your imagination. My mindset has always been “if i can conceive it and believe it then I can achieve it” and I live by that every day. It all boils down to is this: it doesnt matter how much money you make nor how nice your car is, what matters is how you achieved it.“

Kendall

“I think it’s important to encourage creativity and self expression from a very young age. Initiating and cultivating that mindset of exploration and experimentation encourages a lifestyle of curiosity and bravery. Art is one of the most powerful ways to express oneself-whether it be through words, paint, movement, threads, ink, architecture, or music. Equipping children with the tools necessary for whatever method of expression they find satisfying opens up a world of self-teaching lessons that can’t be found in a classroom or textbook. Creativity isn’t limited to the generalized ideas that mainstream culture assumes-each person is different and will find an intricately unique way of expression and ingenuity.”

Riley

“The way that I see it, creativity is derived from inspiration. If you don’t have people, things, or situations to inspire you, where is the creativity to come from?”

Encouraging Teens' Creativity In The Home

Madison

“As a teenager who loves to make music, I am strongly influenced by the artists and bands I listen to. My choices in fashion and style are often inspired by them, and their skills give me the desire to become a better musician myself. My parents, knowing that music is a huge part of my life, allow me to go to concerts- often going out of their way to get me there. They allow me to express myself creatively through the way I dress, how I do my hair, how I do my makeup; all of which I wouldn’t feel like myself if I wasn’t allowed to do. Being free to have opportunities to stay inspired and express myself (even if it means thumbtack holes all over the walls in my room from posters and my photography!) is something I’m very thankful for.” 

 

Encouraging Teens' Creativity In The Home

Kristen

“I believe it is extremely important to promote creativity in the household, especially for teens. The teenage years are so jam packed with new life changing experiences and decisions that may be difficult for some teens. Creativity is an outlet for teens to get away from all of the things that are happening in their lives. Introducing your child to different creative things when they’re young, such as music, art, or writing, will be beneficial in their teenage years because they know it’s a safe escape for them.”

 

Encouraging Teens' Creativity In The Home

Pictured above is an angora rabbit.  It’s wool is the softest thing I’ve ever touched in my life.  This is one of the areas my daughter finds creative outlet. What began as a love for knitting – grew to a curiosity about yarn – to a curiosity about spinning – to a curiosity about the origin of fiber – to a curiosity about angora – long story short she now breeds angora rabbits and harvests the wool.  It’s a hairy job but somebody’s got to do it! hahaha… she loves it though and I love helping her.  It’s been a learning process for us both and it has bonded us together in ways I can hardly begin to describe — because it was a longing in HER heart.

Encouraging Teens' Creativity In The Home

 

Tell us about some ways you have had a great experience with your children’s’ creativity! Or your OWN!  We love to hear YOUR STORIES!

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Comments

    • Oh thanks Lois! She actually started a blog of all that she was learning but it’s outdated with college and work butting in and interrupting creativity. lol! I just brought all the angoras in the garage to keep them safe in this terrible heat:)

    • True Debbie… I agree with guiding! Very important. I have never been subscribed to the “hands off” approach in parenting either!

    • YES Elizabeth! Well put! Thank you so much for dropping by – I always feel like I’m in good company on things that matter so much to me:)

    • Tiffany – funny story – I ran across one where she was younger and she was not only mimicking a British accent but acting as if it was real. (sh! don’t tell her i told!) hahaha it was so cute. I always think it’s amazing when they show such strong interest in things and excel at them that is completely NOT my wiring at all. I think it’s such a good thing actually!

    • I was so impressed he said that Amy – he is the one that was 15 and he plays video games A LOT… I thought it was very mature of him to acknowledge that truth!

    • Joshua is getting rave reviews! I knew he would… heheh. Danielle he is young and a gamer – so that was just so great to me that he took that stand in his quote! 🙂

    • You are so right Aimee… I guess sometimes I’m guilty of feeling like at my age my time for ‘creativity’ has passed but everyone’s comments have really encouraged me (which i wasn’t expecting) that I need to encourage MYSELF too! 🙂

    • Oh that’s so great Tammi… my daughter that knits asked her dad to make her a pvc loom…she found the instructions and well, he’s daddy so he didn’t have a choice did he? hehehe… I know your daughter will just THRIVE in her interests with your support!

    • That’s great Jennifer! I’m guilty of letting my time be eaten up by too much obligation and not enough creativity so this post has really shown me how much I lack it for MYSELF!

  21. When I was growing up, my Mom had a whole slew of supplies for us to create with. There were bags and bags of beads and the essentials to create with them. We had stacks of different fabrics to sew crafts or clothes. There were always a variety of art supplies for all our ages (there are six of us). We started creating and investing in our interests at a young age. We loved it.
    Katy Rawson recently posted…Ju-Ju-Be HoboBe

    • That is a wonderful thing Katy! I love your momma already! I tease my daughter… she has a fabric collection in my garage that I’m sure she will not have room for when she ever moves out! It’s unreal… but she loves it!

  23. I love the freedom to discover my own creativity. My parents let me pursue my passion of drama and music as a teenager and it helped to build confidence in a way I didn’t know was possible. I hope to be able to offer the same opportunities for my own kids. Right now as young as they are; they like to be creative with Legos. And i”m all for that. lol.
    Amber Edwards recently posted…Sitting Room makeover with Bassett Furniture

    • I hear you Amber! There are some days I wish I could take mine back to legos!!!!! That’s a beautiful thing your parents did… ya know? Really getting under our young ones and their interests and supporting them… good stuff!!!

  26. I love that your daughter raises angora rabbits for their fur! My son has been interested in cheese for a long time, so he started raising dairy sheep!

    • Really Pam??? That’s awesome! I recently got two dairy goats but they aren’t in milk right now. Hoping I didn’t get myself in too deep! lol!

    • Oh my word Marina that made me laugh so hard… just surprised me. That was funny. Thank you for affirming her ‘pink expression’. Although the big world of real jobs kind of put a damper on that but here and there it sure is fun!

  28. I love it. I remember my home being so stuffy when I was growing up. I never felt comfortable being myself… I am the opposite with my kids. Everything they do is a big deal to us!

  30. Such a great post this is! Teen years are so hard and it’s definitely a time to teach them about creativity and let them express themselves, especially with you in the picture. Very nice!

    • No I haven’t Kimberly…. but thank YOU for the idea!!! lol! I have learned right along with her but it’s definitely her forte!!! I’ll have to have her as a guest to document it. 🙂 Fiber has become quite trendy… but moreso it’s such an important skill that was commonplace and now is just a novelty. I’m so glad she loves it.

  33. This is so important! While we don’t have kids yet, this is something I work really hard at with my niece. She always wants to help with recipes and projects, so I make sure I am patient even if I am in a rush. She has always really gotten into nail design lately, so we’ve been doing nail projects (even though I can’t even paint my own nails nicely, haha).
    Maggie @ The Love Nerds recently posted…Fresh Tomato and Avocado Salsa

    • Awwww = Your comment made me flash back to doing my daughters’ nails like little strawberries. So fun! It’s such a good mindset and attitude to have… for everyone at all stages. Thanks for dropping by!

  35. My kids would tell you that it was all the free time they had just to play that nurtured their creativity. The toys and games I chose for them were open-ended so that they were always imagining things, and the many hours spent outside just exploring prompted all kinds of adventures. They became quite artistic in how they expressed themselves (drawing, writing, acting, etc.)
    Liz Mays recently posted…Exploring the Georgia Aquarium – Atlanta

    • Cool Liz! I too spent a lot of time exploring outside! Waaay out in the country – it was the most fun I could find to have! Sounds like your children had a very nurturing and creative atmosphere to blossom in!

  36. My daughter is 14 months old, so just started to really explore the world around her, and be interested in everything. I try to give her new and different things to play with every day, even if she just ends up making a horrible mess all over the place. Growing up, my Mom would never allow me to play with anything that would make a mess – playdough, paint, crafts, etc. I don’t want to put limits on my daughter’s imagination.
    Mindy Grant recently posted…Getting Ready for Summer with a 3-Day All Natural Cleanse

    • Sooo good to learn from our own experiences as children, Mindy. I know your daughter is going to be so creative with that kind of outlook guiding her!!!

    • Kristin… how sweet! I love it. I wish I could turn the clock back to 9… But I’m trying to savor all these moments! Tell Kendal I said “way to go, young lady!” 🙂

    • Racquel…I truly believe that when “mom” enjoys the results it is even better more fulfilling for them! I love that you call them “little creators” 🙂

    • Wow- thank you Kim. How encouraging. During times when she’s not into it she says she prefers to make them when she feels “inspired”. hahahaha! Spoken like a true artist. I find it comes and goes…but always comes back around with her. Thank you so very much for the feedback!

    • Well, thanks Tess. I think it’s so beautiful that we were all made with a creative “seed” in us… watching it grow in kids is pretty cool:)

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