Day #3 of Art Week at the Napkin Dad Daily
Older kids sometimes want to leave. Sometimes really badly. They feel grown up, they feel trapped, they feel more adult than the parents. They feel misunderstood, not trusted, not respected, not treated fairly. But they can’t leave. They don’t really want to. So, what do they do? Hopefully they turn to art. Better than drugs or other destructive escapes.
Do you help them turn to art? Do you encourage it in your kids or friends or the ones you have in your school or youth group or just out and about? Do you help them find their voice in creativity? Do you show you are proud of their artistic accomplishments, do you hold that in high value?
Art allows them exploration, growth and discovery. It allows them to process their feelings, angst, anger, feelings of being different and alone. It is a bridge into adulthood and self awareness. It is comfort.
Drawing and commentary © Marty Coleman
“Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.” – Twyla Tharp, 1941- not dead yet, American dancer and choreographer