It's a Creative Mind

About a year ago, Camlin was trying to tell us about something and we had no idea what she was talking about. True to Camlin-form, she started getting frustrated and on the verge of a tantrum until she exclaimed, "I'll draw it." With sudden focus, she began drawing on her chalkboard easel. "Look, she said, this is what I'm talking about!"

Dave and I were really impressed with her problem-solving skills, and equally with her ability to draw something that after a few guesses, we were able to identify. We realized that day that we have a very creative child and since then we encourage this talent whenever possible.

Of course, anytime we don't remember an object she wants to talk about, we immediately encourage her to try to draw it; when she's bored or stuck in front of the TV we will attempt to divert her attention with, "Why don't you color?"; and on rainy days we'll pull out the paints. We also let her pick out her own clothes to wear, which sometimes backfires because she loves to mix and match colors and patterns. With the start of pre-K this fall, she now pushes the limits of her uniform with funky socks and hair-dos. (Let's just say that I will NEVER judge a parent based on what their child is wearing!)

We are not expecting to raise a van Gogh or Vera Wang, but we know Camlin will grow up with an appreciation for the arts. If we are really lucky, she will use her interests and talents to find a career she loves.

Disclaimer: I was prompted to write this blog entry by a contest. I'm ashamed to admit that my wonderful daughter and the birth of my son had not motivated me to get back to writing, but the prospect of winning the full set of the Tiny Socialite Collection of the bumGenius Artist Series cloth diapers from Cotton Babies was enough to get pen to paper!