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.
[Read more…]