Parent/Child Collaborations

Let's be honest, after several days trapped inside because of winter weather and/or germs, even the most patient parent can get a little tired of the same old stickers, Elmo coloring books, and half-chewed markers.  So how do you encourage your child's creativity while still staying creative yourself? 

When I am working on a new piece of theatre for young people, I always ask myself two questions.  Firstly, what about this project is interesting and engaging to young people?  But secondly, and possibly more importantly, what about this project is interesting and exciting to me as an artist?  Children's theatre (and music and television and books) has too long been about what adults think kids should be interested in, rather than viewing it as a collaborative artistic experience for both children and adults.

So this winter, as you are struggling to keep everyone happy and creative while stuck at home, think about what what YOU find exciting and interesting about a particular artistic media or subject, and work with your child in the role of collaborator, as an equal, rather than as a leader or instructor.

As an inspiration, here are some beautiful parent/child collaborations that I've come across on the web lately.  Get inspired and let us know what you come up with!

"Creative parents often have creative kids and here, the two combine their artistic roots for a brilliant and inspirational series of surreal drawings. Redditor Tatsputin is a father of two and often has to take long flights for work, so to pass the time his kids give him some of their own drawings to colour in."

http://www.creativebloq.com/creativity/dad-colours-his-kids-artistic-drawings-11135453

---

"One day, while my daughter was happily distracted in her own marker drawings, I decided to risk pulling out a new sketchbook I had special ordered.  It had dark paper, and was perfect for adding highlights to.  I had only drawn a little in it, and was anxious to try it again, but knowing our daughter’s love of art supplies, it meant that if I wasn’t sly enough, I might have to share.  (Note:  I’m all about kid’s crafts, but when it comes to my own art projects, I don’t like to share.)  Since she was engrossed in her own project, I thought I might be able to pull it off."

http://busymockingbird.com/2013/08/27/collaborating-with-a-4-year-old/

---

‘Wengenn in Wonderland’ is a dreamy, whimsical photo series by artist-cum-mother Queenie Liao, in which she turns her baby Wengenn’s naptime into fairytale-like adventures.

Using her imagination, she creates fantasy worlds for the sleeping Wengenn to journey into. To create these wonderful scenes she uses spare cloth, stuffed animals and other common household items as props. "

http://designtaxi.com/news/361623/Creative-Mom-Creates-Whimsical-Dream-Adventures-For-Her-Sleeping-Baby/

---

"We had been living in Melbourne for about a year and our garage was still full of flattened moving boxes," Lang explained to Business Insider. "I wanted to throw them in the recycling bin but Leon was adamant that we'd be able to use them for something."

http://www.businessinsider.com/cardboard-box-office-baby-movie-scenes-2014-1

---