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As my kids get older, I’m often trying to figure out ways to get them away from their screens and doing something creative.
Sometimes, I can get my younger one to cook dinner with me or get him to bake cookies or brownies. My older son will stop and play the piano, which he is teaching himself to do.
But my creative skills are limited, so I asked the most creative person I know, Kathy Cano-Murillo of Crafty Chica and co-owner of Mucho Mas Art studio in Phoenix for help. Here are some tips she shared with Mom.com
What are some ways to get teenagers to be creative?
Her two kids grew up helping Cano-Murillo with her business, but even so, she tried not to push anything on them and instead casually fostered their interests. Anytime she tried to push them into anything, they would push back.
“It was this crazy dance, seeing what they’re into and trying to guide them,” she said.
Her advice for parents is to expose kids to as many things as possible. If you’re not sure what they like, she recommends getting a tween or teen a blank book and a fun set of markers.
“Nobody can resist those,” she said. Kids can doodle or write or create a graphic novel. If you think they might be more into painting, you can add a set of watercolors.
How do you help tech-obsessed teenagers find their creative outlet?
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If you’re like me and you want to get your kids off of their devices, you can use the device to your advantage. Cano-Murillo said a good way to get kids to find creative projects is through YouTube. Find out what they’re interested in, watch a YouTube video about it, and then try to re-create it, she said. You’ll find tutorials on paper mache, cake decorating, lettering, knitting, sewing, playing an instrument, and so much more.
If you’re looking for more online help, Common Sense Media has an Essential Creativity Guide with information on websites and apps that foster creativity for kids interested in coding, art, music, writing, and directing. You can filter by age group: 2 to 6, 7 to 12, and 13 to 17.
Some of the ideas include joining NaNoWriMo for their young writers program, in which kids can learn writing strategies and work to complete a novel in 30 days. Or Incredibox, where kids can put beats together to make music.
Part of the reason some kids might not be as creative these days is because of the ubiquitousness of technology. Why doodle in a book when you can play a stimulating video game on your phone?
Los Angeles mom Donna Schwartz Mills said that she keeps thinking about the idea that cellphones are ruining people’s creativity because technology is keeping them from being bored.
“That makes a lot of sense to me. So, maybe set aside tech-free hours in the evening and weekends? I don’t know how to do that without it coming off as punishment. It’s a dilemma,” she admitted to Mom.com.
Should you sign them up for a class?
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It might difficult for parents to foster creativity if their teen isn’t interested in the same things that they are. One solution is to look at your community for classes to take, Cano-Murillo said. Many cities have crafts studios at parks or rec centers that offer a wide range of craft projects.
“When you’re sitting with a group of people, you can really get inspired,” she said.
She remembered a time when a mom brought her teenage son into her studio looking for inspiration. He expressed interest in a bookmaking class and the mom was amazed by how much her son loved it. He was the youngest person in the class, but he left inspired.
“Really just open up the boundaries and let them be creative,” she said.
Cooking is my creative outlet of choice and every year I have a tamalada – a tamale-making party – and invite friends and their kids. Cano-Murillo suggested making a party just for tweens or teens.
“If there’s a craft they’re interested in, organize a craft party with friends and get supplies and popcorn,” she added. “When they’re relaxed, it lowers the bar of expectations.”
