Statistics show that humans are living longer because of advances in the health industry. Yet depression and suicide remain the 3rd leading cause of death in youth ages 15-24. That’s a lot of unhappiness in a society that compared to our decedents, are essentially “living large” So how do we keep our kids happy and healthy? First off we start off with obvious, meeting their physical needs, lots of love, providing them with food, clothing, an adequate education, a comfortable place to live, sleep and play. There are lots of things that make kids happy. Heck my daughter is happy when she can be in control of anything. Holding the mixer when we make cookies, pouring the milk for cereal and deciding the activity or movie we will watch on a Sunday is enough for her to declare this is the “best day ever” How about your child’s mental health. How about providing some creative time? Creative time for both you and your children is one great way to boost self esteem and just that all around feel good attitude! The creative process has long been associated as a life enhancing and healing process. Many have discovered that creativity helps us let go of ill will or anger. When you create something beautiful, you can’t help but feel good! Here are some clinically studied benefits of creativity: Through the creative process, one can enhance cognitive abilities, de-stress and really enjoy the life-affirming pleasure of the artistic process. Here are some statistics I found on the Americans for Art websitewww.artsusa.org Making art requires: Flexibility, Close observation/perceptual development, spatial reasoning, physical and conceptual manipulation of tools and materials, tolerance for chaos, and ambiguity, the ability to sequence materials The creative process allows us to engage physical and emotional reasoning that utilizes brain structures that are quite different, yet interact with verbal reasoning. Creative art: Engages the whole brain, accessing both right and left hemisphere. Promotes visual and spatial sequential reasoning. Art making encourages spontaneity. Promotes self discipline. Promotes socialization. Increases self esteem Did you know, young people who participate in the arts for at least three hours on three days each week for at least one full year are   4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement and 4 times more likely to win an award for writing an essay or poem Young artists, as compared with their peers, are likely to: Attend music, art, and dance classes nearly three times as frequently. Participate in youth groups nearly four times as frequently. Read for pleasure nearly twice as often. Perform community service more than four times as often Working on Art projects is a fantastic way to connect one on one with children. Some of my best moments with my daughter are the times we spend together engaged in a creative activity. How old should your children be before engaging in art projects?I say start them young. If your child can hold a crayon, marker or paintbrush, help them safely learn cause and effect by striking the coloring tool to a piece of paper. Supervision is key here as children 12-36 months may still want to put items in their mouth. My friends thought I was nuts when I held a class in my studio for two year olds. The two year olds were ready, but I think many parents aren't ready for the mess that is sure to be explored.   Realistically, at two years old, your child is developing hand eye coordination, reasoning skills, and learning to engage their brains. Logically, creative art is something they can safely do on their own. Mixing and mashing colors is cause and effect. Not to mention early development of learning color names and combinations. The use of a paint brush helps younger children develop early writing skills. Younger children will only have the ability to stick to a project for short amounts of time. Given time, not only will they develop skills that engage them longer they will also develop a life long love of the art process. Ok, so I know some of you are thinking, but I can’t get my child to sit still for two minutes…and other objections. Engaging your child in creative activities is lifelong and as habitual as brushing your teeth. But, once they learn how enjoyable getting creative can be, they may soon see it your way. Especially when one of those creative experiences is turned into a sharing experience--Watch your child beam when they hand over a gift they made themselves. You will see the pride and self confidence shine in your child. Try an art project today! I think you will be surprised at your success! Paint your own pottery stores are a great way to explore an art project with your child. Most studios provide all the supplies and materials--plus clean up the mess. When you are done you are sure to have a keepsake masterpiece! In our studio cereal bowls are all the rage--the only problem we have is that most kids refuse to eat their food from any other bowl!  You might want to make 2--one for eating while the other is in the dishwasher! Find a studio near you by going towww.paintpottery.net.   ...read more