Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Boston, MA

Karen Koretsky Dillon is a mother of two, artist, writer and owner of the ArtisTRY studio in Arlington MA where she offers art instruction and enrichment classes to children of all ages.  For more information, visit www.artistrystudio.homestead.com.

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I think one of the most effective parenting skills we have is leading by example. If you want your child to eat veggies, you must serve and eat salads galore.  If you want your child to read, turn off the T.V. and pick up a book.  Likewise, leading by example is also important to foster a creative child. If you want your child to be creative then you must model that you are comfortable being creative too; even if you don't believe you have an artistic bone in your body.  So sit at the table, break out the crayons and make art with your child.

DON'T LET THE WORD "TALENT" STOP YOU-

Some adults are under the misperception that creativity or artistic ability is an inherited trait or gift.  Not true!  Creativity, like playing baseball or any other activity is one that flourishes with practice.  The more you practice your art, the easier it will feel and the better you will become at it.  But being "good" at something is not the only reason to do it.  The purpose of art making is not to make a "pretty picture" but more importantly it is the process of working with the materials, experiencing your creativity unfold, and expressing emotion through art.

KEEP IT POSITIVE

Try to make art together without criticism, commentary or analysis. Don't try to guess what your child is drawing-you most likely will guess incorrectly and your child might feel like a failure.  Instead, make broad statements like, "I see you like that color crayon because you've used it a lot" or "Wow-look at the way you overlapped those two colors!.  And please, treat yourself with that same kindness, when you set out to do something creative with your child. The activity you are practicing might be new to the entire family.  Try not to make comments like "Oh, this doesn't look like a tree!" or "I can't do this!  it will defeat the very purpose of what you are trying to accomplish as a creative family.  Keep your comments positive and focus on the sensory process not the product. Try saying things  like: "I love the way these colors blend together" or "it feels really good to take this red crayon and scribble all over the page" or "this color blue reminds me of the day we played on the beach last summer".  By making positive statements during art making you will show your child the connection between art making and the expression of feeling or memories.

WHY A CREATIVE FAMILY?

Creative expression is a very important outlet for children who are unable to express themselves with their limited vocabulary and contradictory feelings.  Processing anger, fear, sadness or even joy is easier for a child to do with art than with words. So, it's very valuable to make time for your child to express themselves frequently.  Art typically is a solitary activity but it certainly shouldn't be. I encourage families to block off a weekly time for family art night.  Mark it on your calendar like you would any other activity and adhere to it.  Before long it will become a cherished time you spend together.

DISPLAY YOUR CREATIONS

Lastly, make sure you proudly display the art you make together.  Hanging art in your home is validation that the art deserves to be seen.  Displaying the art you create also validates the importance of the time you spent together, your own pride of your work, and serves as a reminder what wonderful creations you can make while spending quality time together as a family.