All Kids Are Creative

They are creative in their play and in their conversations.  They naturally find new ways of using everyday items, and they are pleased with their work.  They’ll proudly sing at the top of their lungs, or finger paint with glee.  

One of my children was very impressed with her toddler self, when she finger-painted peanut butter across the dining room wall.  I was on the phone to my mother, a retired teacher, at the time.

Me:  Mom, I have to go.  The baby just smeared peanut butter all over the dining room wall.

Mom:  Oh, honey, that’s so educational for her.  The texture and the smell of peanut butter … I’m sure she’s having a wonderful time!

Me:  Mother.   There is peanut butter all over my wall!  I’ll talk to you later!

The toddler saw an opportunity for an art project.  

My mother saw developmental connections happening within the growing human brain.  

I saw a big mess.

But kids do not apologize for the art they make, and they share it with abandonment.  Children are true artists.  

We all start out that way.  Then, something happens to most of us as we get older.  

We have doubts about ourselves and our art.  We wonder if our work matters.  And there are responsibilities and bills and time constraints.  We lose confidence.  Often, we stop making anything, let alone sharing it with others.

What happens?  Why do we become self-conscious and, worse, critical of the type of work we once produced with joy and boldness?  Why do we forget the lessons of the child artist?

First, children have no idea that they are “supposed” to impress anyone.  They are naturally creative, and they make art for the fun of it.  They like it, they’re happy with it, and they share it.  

Adults usually don’t have that freedom.  We do care what others think, and we’re critical of ourselves, too.

Children live in the moment.  They shouldn’t have to think about past failures or future worries, and thankfully, most children don’t.  Whatever they are doing right now is The Most Important Thing, whether that’s play or rest.

Adults are too often pulled in many directions.  We have responsibilities and challenges that children don’t have.  That isn’t going to change.  But we can still learn to find joy in the moment, and choose what we focus on.

Finally, children don’t fret over rules that don’t matter to them.  They are not even aware that art has rules, written or otherwise, except maybe, “don’t paint on the walls.”

• Paint the picture right-side-up?  Why?

• Off key?  Never met her.

• Stupid story?  No such thing.

• Yucky recipe?  Well, OK, that one might be true, but it’s a matter of preference.

I don’t mean that children should be allowed to do anything they wish.  I’m not suggesting that rules are useless.  I didn’t want peanut butter on my wall, and I’m sure I made that clear to my child.

What I’m saying is, we do need to encourage them to explore new ideas and enjoy the process of their own work, otherwise known as, “play.”  

For what it’s worth, I disliked coloring as a child, and for the most part, I still do.  It made me anxious in elementary school because I didn’t want to do it “wrong” and go outside the lines.  I also didn’t see why it was supposed to be fun to fill in someone else’s drawing.  No, thanks.  I wish I would have known that it didn’t have to be perfect.

As kids get older, they discover other interests and talents, and they show interest in new activities.  (Although, as a teacher, I’m glad we continue to allow our students to explore many artistic opportunities.  Funding and support for the arts is truly important.)

It’s all part of growing up, and that’s natural.  We aren’t all good at the same things, and that’s what makes us unique.  Not everyone wants to be an “artist.”  

But here’s the problem:  On the spectrum from “joyful child genius” to “responsible, practical grown-up,” we go way too far.  

We forget that creativity takes many forms, and can be expressed in almost any profession or situation.  We also forget about the way art made us feel as a child, and how important it is to stay in touch with that integral part of us.

The Inner Creative project should remind you to take good care of your inner artist.  And if there are children in your life, make sure to encourage their art, as well.  You never know what form it will take in the future, but we need creative leaders who look for ways to provide great products and services, and who can solve challenging problems.

We can start by nurturing our own art, and sharing it often.  This sends a message that says it’s OK for others to do the same.  

We can set the example.

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P. S.  That toddler is graduating soon with her college degree.  It’s in creative writing.