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The Art of Creation
Raising Creative Kids By Shel Franco
This is exactly how Joyce Roberson, of Albuquerque, N.M., handled her son, Carter's, artistic talent. "About a year ago I realized that Carter had definite artistic abilities," Roberson says. "I asked him if he would like to take art lessons, and we discussed the commitment that would be involved. He agreed and now attends art classes one time per week for 90 minutes."
Roberson points out that it hasn't always been smooth sailing. "He often balked at going to his art lessons, and I struggled with my own dilemma: Do I push him to continue, or should I let him quit? It was a real battle at times, for both of us."
So how do parents respond to the age old dilemma of simply encouraging vs. blatant pushing? Roberson decided that the happiness and pride associated with the art classes and the products were enough proof to reinforce with a push, here and there.
As parents encourage their preschoolers to participate in art, Kohl has a few parting words of wisdom. "This is a time when [children's] minds are open to exploration and discovery. We want to encourage this as a life-long ability. And through art, they can see that taking risks with creativity is a captivating way to jump right in."