How do you encourage a creative, artistic spirit in your baby, toddler or young child?
I thought this was an interesting question since my daughter is only four months old, so I have yet to really see much creativity from her... I thought I could change the question around a bit and answer how I will encourage her, through activities such as enrolling her in library book programs or praising the childish artwork she creates someday.
But then I realized that even at four months old -- really since before she was even born -- my husband and I have been encouraging her to develop a love for music. Rocky plays guitar and piano, I play the drums, and we both sing. Even when Abby was still in the womb she loved to hear her daddy play piano (seriously, I loved to watch my belly dance around while he played!). This picture is actually from the day we came home from the hospital.We have often joked that our biggest fear is that she will be tone-deaf... We both have such a love for music (Rocky has even written a handful of songs for our church), that we can't imagine having a daughter who can't even carry a tune in a bucket...
But I suppose if that becomes the case, we'll just have to find another outlet for her creativity (sidewalk chalk maybe?)...
I find myself trying to come up with ways to stimulate Pip intellectually at 3 weeks old. So far, he likes the owl mobile. That's about it. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd for Punky, sidewalk chalk was great!
I'm just poking through the cotton babies posts and love the picture of your husband and your little girl! I definitely think that you are already influencing her creativity with music and singing.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I went to lots of concerts before our son was born and I remember how excited he would get about the music! He dances and sings all the time now. It definitely starts in the womb! Good luck with the contest!