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Although there are certainly elements of creativity involved in the process of raising children (like trying to figure out how to get them to eat their veggies, brush their teeth, and get out of bed and into clothing in a timely manner each morning), the truth is that many women get so wrapped up in the demands of motherhood that they can lose the creative spark that makes them feel good. Hey, when you spend all day cooking, cleaning, working, and entertaining children, you’re lucky if you can squeeze in time for a shower and forty winks, much less creative fulfillment. But being a mom doesn’t mean you have to stop being yourself, and you should take time to pursue creative interests. As women who want to do it all, we often short-change ourselves. If you don’t see to your own needs, however, you’ll soon get burned out and you won’t be any good to anyone. So here are just a few fun ideas that can help you to get back in your groove as a person, not just a mother, and fuel your creative fire.
Think up seasonal projects. You spend a lot of time with your kids, and if you’re an involved parent you probably come up with all kinds of projects to keep them entertained. This provides an excellent opportunity for you to put on your creative hat, as well. And seasonal projects are a great way to have some fun and get creative on your own level even as you instill in your children knowledge and skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Write stories. Nearly everyone can write, how well depends- but you can always write for yourself or journal. You might not be the next J.K. Rowling, Robert Frost, or Alan Ginsberg, but you could create simple stories and picture books for your kids, join a writing group to pen short stories, or even get started on the next great American novel. Or you could write in a journal each day to get started and get yourself in the habit. With writing prompts readily available online you should never be short of ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
Hit up yard sales. Shopping for second-hand goods may not seem terribly creative, but the idea is to see the potential in old or damaged items. For example, you might find a cool, antique tea kettle and turn it into a kitschy vase. Or you could come across an old door and sand it and slap a coat of paint on it to make it into a dining room table or a unique headboard. The point is that you can find inexpensive goods and use your creative impulses to turn them into practical or whimsical pieces of decor. If you’re really good at it, you might even set up shop on Etsy to bring in additional income.
Take up needlework. Whether you prefer sewing, quilting, tatting, crocheting, knitting, or some other type of needlework, you’ll find that it’s a good way to get creative. And often, you can take it with you and whip it out in a waiting room, occupying your down time with a productive pursuit. Bonus: it can be deeply relaxing.
Take an art class. Whether you join the kids in an art class for all ages or you leave your spouse in charge one night a week so that you can spend some time with adults in a quiet, studio environment or even a course at the local community college, it’s important to understand that there are many potential outlets for your artistic pursuits. Ideally, you’ll have some help so that you can take a little time for yourself. You could even set up shop on Etsy to sell what you make! But just because you have the kids with you 24/7 doesn’t mean you have to give up on creative outlets. And if you’re having trouble getting out of the house, arrange for friends to come over for a weekly potluck and painting session where the kids can all hang in the den watching movies or playing while the moms have some fun with acrylics, oils, or clay. Just because you don’t have the time to join a contemporary ceramic studios association doesn’t mean you can’t get your artistic fix.
i love art