For any parent, the health and well-being of their child is always a top priority. As a mom, I know how important it is to ensure that our kids are mentally and emotionally healthy, especially during times of stress and uncertainty. During the lockdown, my daughter, Zara discovered a new passion for drawing and painting, and I was amazed at how this creative outlet helped her to cope with the challenges of the pandemic. It was like a form of therapy for her. And it got me thinking about the power of creativity when it comes to mental health. I remember reading somewhere that creativity can stimulate the same areas of the brain as meditation. It makes sense, right? When you’re fully immersed in a creative project, you’re focussed on the present moment, and not thinking about anything else. It’s almost a form of mindfulness.
So, I started encouraging Zara to keep up with her art projects and I could see how much it was helping her. And it’s not just painting and drawing, any kind of creative outlet can have a similar effect. Maybe it’s music, or writing, or even cooking. As a parent, there are many ways you can support your child’s creativity. Providing them with art supplies, encouraging them to try new things, and participating in creative activities together are just a few examples. When children engage in creative projects, they learn to cope with their emotions, build self-esteem, and develop a sense of accomplishment. This can help them navigate the challenges of life with greater resilience and confidence. The important thing is finding something that your child enjoys, and that they can fully immerse themselves in. Following is a list of some of my favourite online resources for fun creative projects you can do with your kids:
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If you’re lucky enough to live in Toronto, I recommend the summer camp, Art in the Park. It’s a wonderful camp in downtown Toronto’s, Trinity Bellwoods Park. My daughter loved it! Kids are free to roam from station to station and try different forms of creative expression from painting and sculpture to jewelry making and theatre. For those looking for a more physical outlet, there’s even a huge pile of sand in the middle of the camp to keep those fort builders occupied! For more info, see www.artintheparktrinitybellwoods.ca
Lastly, as firm believers in the power of creativity, here at Made With Your Art, we have a fundraising program to help support art schools and programs in your community. If your child or you attend or know of one, send them our way. Our online fundraising tool is easy to use and a great way to support and encourage creativity as a crucial part of daily life.