Main idea: developing a healthy appreciation for the arts in our kids
How do we utilize creative outlets for expression and to expand our children’s educational experience? What arts exposure do our kids have and how do we contextually use it?
For years, Hollie and I have attended Dracula at the Columbia ballet. Partly because it’s vampires and partly because it’s ballet. She’s been dancing since she was three and while it’s not a career-choice or even something she’s particularly passionate about, she loved the art of ballet. And we love stage performances. We’ve also done touring Broadway shows and theatre camps and live music of all kinds.
Why is an exposure to arts important for kids?
Are you satisfied with the opportunities for arts your kids get through their school? In your community?
As a writer, I’m in the arts community in Columbia and work with a lot of working artists in music, film, theatre, and literature. Hollie knows an arts career is a hard one to establish and maintain. She’s big time into drawing right now and wants to be an animator. She’s got some tools and she watches videos and she’s pretty set on a career in animation—software assisted animation.
Should we discourage arts careers?
What about studying art in school? Should we discourage that?
Is there an emotional wellness factor to arts exposure and education?
Do kids have to be “good” at art to continue pursuing it?
This link tells us that art and creativity are crucial parts of child development:
- Improve fine motor skills
- Learn basics of math and letters
- Problem solving and creative thinking
- Boost self confidence
And this link adds:
- Art helps kids make sense of themselves and their environment
- Art is an equalizer and helps kids connect with one another
And this link suggests you should be actively involved in art creation:
- Bonding
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Have fun together
Parenting Porcupines 