Mention painting, many people think of Picasso. Mention music, many youth will think of Taylor Swift, Rihanna or Kid Rock. Mention books, many think of Twilight or Harry Potter. Being creative – singing, playing the radio, drawing, acting, writing, creating web pages – can be fun, and helps young people improve basic and advanced thinking skills. Work with a youth to explore and nurture your creative side. It’s not only fun and carefree but research shows that it helps develop cognition, cultural understanding, communication and creativity. Not to mention that by sharing the experience, you strengthen your relationship with a child.
So breakout the paint, crayons, markers, pencils, glitter and let your creative juices flow this holiday season. All that for a just a little play time – now that is a holiday bargain!
Here are the facts:
Research shows that young people who spend three hours or more a week in music, theater, or other arts are more likely to grow up healthy. Only 16 percent of Washington County young people, ages 11–18, report participating in creative on a weekly basis, according to Search Institute’s Attitudes & Behavior survey. It’s important to help young people find creative outlets that are fun, teach them about themselves, and provide a way to relieve the stresses of everyday life.
Tips for building this asset:
Everyone is an artist in some way. Don’t be afraid to indulge in small bursts of artistic expression.
Try these ideas:
- Hum or sing along to the radio
- Dance when you’re in a good mood
- Breakout the paint, crayons, markers, pencils, glitter and let your creative juices flow this holiday season.
- Put on a play or puppet show with your children.
- Write a story about your child and share it with them.
This may all sound like a bunch of goofy play time but the results are far more than a picture to hang on the refrigerator or a funny memory of dancing together. You open the door to allow children to explore and express their creative side. All that for a just a little play time – now that is a holiday bargain!