Site Meter Parenting Under the Stars » Blog Archive » Are We Killing Kids Creativity?

Are We Killing Kids Creativity?

by Sandra Williams

children art: Flávio TakemotoAcademic ability is generally valued more than art or music. Children are frequently discouraged at an early age even by their own peers.

One of my daughters is very artistic. She’s a fantastic dancer and artist. The images she draws blow my mind. I love to create things but cannot draw very well, so I really admire that skill.

Anyway, one of her friends told her she could not be an artist since they are all crazy and starving. She must have received this message from an adult and I do think it is sad.

My daughter used to talk about designing clothes and now she is asking me how much money dentists make. I know she does not want to be a dentist but she thinks that job will give her more respect.

Artistic talent should be encouraged and valued more. Just think of how drab the world would be without artists. Scientists have to be creative if they want to make any new discoveries as well.

In this video, Ken Robinson talks about education at TED and how creativity is just as important as literacy. He feels that we are educated out of our creativity because highly talented people become convinced that they are not. He shares an inspiring story about Gillian Lynne and her experience in school as a child. The teacher suggested she had a learning disorder because she would not stay still.

Her mother finally took her to a specialist who happened to have the radio on and Gillian would not stop dancing. The specialist told her mother to enroll her in a dance school and so she did. Gillian Lynne is now a director/choreographer and did Cats, Phantom of the Opera as well as several other successful productions.

He makes some very good points. I agree that had Gillian gone to see the wrong doctor about her fidgeting problem, they may have simply medicated her and told her to go chill out somewhere.

Our children’s creativity should be celebrated, embraced and encouraged.


4 Responses to “Are We Killing Kids Creativity?”

  1. Pages tagged "artistic" Says:

    [...] bookmarks tagged artistic Are We Killing Kids Creativity? saved by 1 others     rkoheel bookmarked on 01/20/08 | [...]

  2. Mom Is Teaching » Blog Archive » I’ve Got Nothing… Says:

    [...] I’m too exhausted to think let me send you over to Are We Killing Kids Creativity?. It’s something to think [...]

  3. April Says:

    Great post! I love the Ken Robinson video clip. It seems to me that (especially in coming years) creativity will be a highly valuable trait. The internet itself is making creativity pay off big time. I can’t help but think that avenue will only be getting bigger and bigger.

    We need to encourage creativity, if for no other reason than that it looks like all the non-creative jobs will be the first to be outsourced in this country.

    I hope to encourage my children in their creative pursuits, just as you are trying to encourage yours. Thanks for the lovely post!

  4. Sandra Williams Says:

    April, exactly. There are already plenty of non-creative jobs being outsourced.

    If more children were encouraged for their own individual talents and creative strengths it would be better for them and society.

    Great blog on home schooling you have there!

Leave a Reply


About Parenting Under the Stars

Everyone wants a happy healthy family but sometimes parents need help with practical solutions to parenting challenges. Learn a new craft, talk about discipline or share tips, tricks and recipes. Explore with us the joys and challenges of raising children at Parenting Under the Stars.

Parenting Under the Stars Author(s)

Parenting & Family Channel Posts

  • Happy 4th of July
    I know that unless you are in the mood to run around like a crazy woman, the tips here may not be very helpful.  But, at the same time, some of you might like to employ some of the ides here on [...]
  • Talking about Learning
    As most of you know, we talk alot about parenting issues and teaching our children.  What I want to discuss is learning…for adults.What do you think I have in mind? I have a B.S. in [...]
  • Dealing with Anger
    You folks here have never failed me.  And, so I ask you the following question in hopes of gaining some in sight into how others handle the same issues.  Or how you would if it were an [...]
  • Little things
    There are a lot of things that suck about being a part time dad. Not having him here all the time. Going half days on holidays and birthdays. The big stuff that you think about when seperated parents [...]
  • Dear Alcohol,
              Dear Alcohol, First & foremost, let me tell you that I'm a huge fan of yours. As my friend, you always seem to be there when needed. The perfect post-work [...]
  • Helpful Hints
    Ant Repellant: To keep ants out of the house, find where the ants are entering the house and sprinkle a "barrier" of cinnamon or any type of ground pepper to block their way. The spices are too [...]
  • Coming Soon!
    Coming soon to reviewingbabygear.com is a review and giveaway of The Boon Bug Pod Bath Storage Scoop from All Modern Baby. All Modern Baby is a modern children's furniture site that carries a [...]
  • Important Summer Heat Tips
          As the days get longer and the temperatures climb higher, it's especially important for us to avoid heat-related problems that can adversely affect our health. Along with [...]
  • Beautiful Baby Slings
    I have found with this new baby of mine, that he is not an easy sleeper. He is not one of those infants that you can put him down and he will just sleep. After 5-10 minutes in anything he cries. [...]
  • Decatur Toy Store Closes
    The Wyker's Toy Store in Hunstville, Alabama has had to close their doors. The store has been around since 1888, talk about letting go of history this was one toy store that just kept pushing [...]

Hot Off The Press

  • John Cena With Make-A-Wish Happen at Game Stop - Video
    John Cena teams up with the Make A Wish Foundation to make a dream come true. [...]
  • Happy Fourth of July
    Wishing you all the best for this holiday weekend o please be careful but do enjoy yourself… Technorati Tags: July 4,Independence day,fireworks [...]
  • What can I say? Dr. Baldwin deserves this
    This is my fourth of July edition an I feel that to honor someone who serves our country is the way to go.  This man is famous however, a stint on The Bachelor has probably ruined any chance at [...]
  • Raw in Auckland, McCool Photos, "Million Dollar" Profiled
    -World Wrestling Entertainment has kicked off this week-end in Auckland, New Zealand. You an see photos of the the Raw roster for the event on WWE.com. -Michelle McCool has new photos in her ecent [...]
  • Tennis, Anyone? (and AYBS Pt. 2)
    Hey ... better late than never, right?? For you tennis fans who dig the Wimbledon scene, you've still got one more day to visit Starcards.org and bid on the only WTA Tour No.1 Jersey signed by [...]
  • Halfway Through
    A couple of the bloggers around the internet have mentioned that we're halfway through the year, which I probably wouldn't have even thought about if it hadn't have been brought to my attention. I [...]
  • The Lunar Eclipse and Your Natal Chart
    The Lunar eclipse on July 7 is the first of two eclipses in this month. Where the eclipse is in your chart is marks an area that is poised for activation in the next six months. To see how this [...]
  • Happy 4th of July
    I know that unless you are in the mood to run around like a crazy woman, the tips here may not be very helpful.  But, at the same time, some of you might like to employ some of the ides here on [...]
  • To Clean Up A Bit ...
    Okay ... normally I'd be jawjackin' about the latest happenings or doohickies in rock music, right? But, y'know, sometimes yer PC just doesn't wanna behave when you're doin' the Last Writes [...]
  • Indepence Day
    Does it resonate strong with yu?  Do you have tons of memories of traditions from your years as a child?  What does that entail?  For me, it’s homemade ice cream and watermelon with [...]