Indonesia
Praise the Little Actress
Superparents, as parents we must know that active creativity such as drawing, coloring, writing, making craft are among ways for children to express who they are. It’s a crucial moment for their time as children and also this is where we can see their talent and interest. This is why, we always put their work on display around the house or the booming social media today, inviting families and relatives to watch when they perform on stage and the likes. Aside from improve their esteem, it’s all done to give something to remember when they get bigger.
But that’s all still not it, Superparents. More importantly is how do we respond to their work. Appreciative words, spirit enhancing and encouraging words are very important in developing their creative side. A poet Sapardi Djoko Damono once said, “All starts with words”. So, let’s get started Superparents, say these words to respond their work.
Attentive
It doesn’t matter how it looks like, keep in mind that the kids have worked hard, giving them everything, spirit, and focus to create them. Our standard comment usually sounds like ‘Good, Sweetheart”. Actually that shows that we are not really paying attention, listening or watching to what they show us. This can be a heart breaking comment for them. On the other side, trying too hard and stressing on the downside will also bad. Sometimes, kids will be disappointed, useless, because they don’t do well enough. Instead, take a school musical performance for example, people can hardly hear our little singer sings. After the show, ask the kid to talk about the things he or she feels proud of during taking the stage. Also, bring him to discuss about things that need improvement. If, our little idol says that a vocal quality improvement is needed, offer the kid vocal course. If the answer is no, respect and appreciate the decision, but still convince him that you are always there anytime he needs.
Do Not Over Dominate
Many times, parents are overwhelmed with desire to see their kids shine at a particular field, especially when they are good or interested at it. For example, Superparents love writing and work as writers. You may will want to make your kids write novel since little and dream of they becoming little writer. Hold up, Superparents. Let the kids find their own way, and wait on the side line until they ask you to participate. All you need to do is to introduce them with the world of writings, share your writing experience and let them know what writing is like. Invite them to join kids writing club. It is great if they get excited and interested at it, but if not, be proud of them anyway. Don’t be shocked if by the time goes, they become more interested in writing full song completed with the chord, rather than short story or novel the way you want them to.
Not just “Good”
Rather than saying “yes” or “good” you should employ more open questions. Invite the kids into a discussion or ask them to describe about the work. For example: “How come it’s like that?” “What’s the story, Son?” then listen to what they have to say and pay attention. Such question will trigger logic mind, artistic logic other than the creative process. Art is one way for kids to explore and channel their reflection.
Both are learning
Ask the kid to “teach” you about the concept of art and creative process he learned when creating. The teaching-learning process is the best way to build the knowledge up to the level “master”. Let the kid feel they can do better than you. Besides, who won’t be proud teaching their parents about something they can do?
Process Matters
The work is the final outcome you can see in kid’s creative process. However, the creating process can’t be taken lightly too. For some kids, the process impacts great deal to the whole outcome. The creating process involves determining ideas, revisions, defending ideas, down to the execution to the final result. These experiences are the most important. Take musical performance, dance, and theater. The practice, rehearsals and final rehearsal are all vital part for the kids to learn not only the art, but also other life skills such as coordination, collaboration, negotiation and compromise and patience. So, Superparents, try to always get involve along the way.
Stay Tune
Not every work is good, let alone perfect. The spirit that comes to create them is what counts by the end of the day. In every art work technical skills are necessary and not every kid is artistically gifted. Even so, with proper teaching and drills, every kid will be able to improve the artistic skill. Albert Einstein once said: “Genius is 99 per cent hard work and 1 per cent talent”. Well!
Let Them Shine
Set the kids free to “share” what they make via every possible media they want. Facilitate them with camera, video camera, smartphone or whatever it is to help them collecting and compiling their work. Superparents are the first and foremost audience and fan, the most loyal and dependable for the kids. It doesn’t matter whether or not they will eventually enter the world as an artist, it’s your support, care, attention and commitment is the foundation for their creativity, way of seeing things and perceptions. Keep in mind that art is proven as one of the most valuable ways of learning for kids to understand life and the world. You are the one who can shine the light for them.
MAHARANI INDRI
PHOTO: THINKSTOCK PHOTOS
