How Can Parents Help Kids Keep their Creative Passions Alive?

“All children are born artists, the problem is to remain an artist as we grow up” – Pablo Picasso

I agree with Pablo Picasso when he says that every child is an artist. Kids are naturally full of creativity. They show who they are by playing, drawing, and crafting. Every kid has their own special talents. It’s important for us as grown-ups to watch what they like and what they’re good at. Then, we can give them chances and the right place to grow their skills. For example, if a kid loves music and rhythm, we can let them listen to different instruments. This makes them curious and they want to learn more.

But the big question is, can kids keep their interests as they get older? There are lots of reasons why they might stop following their passions as they grow up.

First, sometimes parents tell kids not to spend time on art. They think kids should study more and choose jobs like being a doctor or engineer. They believe these jobs are better for making money and having a good life.
Second, people often think that being creative is just for kids or young people. They might say, “I’m too old for this.” But actually, a lot of artists do their best work when they’re older.
If an adult is approaching art without elements of fun, then he ends up in frustration and eventually quits.
Only fear of failure and self-doubt stop people from pursuing art in later years.
According to many people, art is not utilitarian. It does not serve practical purposes like paying bills immediately. A person’s art takes time to be accepted by the society to make money.

Nevertheless, many artists prove age is just a number. There is one such great artist whose life is apt to the above statement. It is Vincent Van Gogh.

Vincent Van Gogh started painting in his late 30’s. However, his life journey was an unusual one. He was known for his failures and disappointments before and after he became an artist. Though he tried different vocations like an apprentice at his uncle’s gallery or failing twice in theological studies to become a pastor, he never gave up and believed that God was guiding him to find his true calling.

Even after he became an artist, he was rejected by some artists. But he didn’t give up and dedicated himself more fully to his work. With his experience and practice, he created beautiful artworks but he never experienced success in his lifetime, as he sold only one painting. However, his paintings became a huge success after his death. It was his sister-in-law, Johanna Van Gogh who played an important role in exhibiting and selling his paintings for millions.

Final Thoughts

To chase your art dreams, be determined like Van Gogh. Tell yourself you’re doing your best. Keep at it without worrying about winning or losing. Encourage yourself with kind words and keep going.

If making it in art is slow, it’s okay to have another job to support yourself until your art takes off.

And if creating makes you happy and you believe in yourself, keep doing it. Just like it happened for Van Gogh, the right moment might come when you least expect it.

-Haritha Atluri is an educator in phonics, and language, and a passionate education writer with 9 years of experience. She specializes in adult communication and children’s phonics.