Parents, Let Them Create: Why Supporting Creative Children Matters
Across South Africa, many children show signs of creativity at a young age. They sing before they can speak clearly. They draw pictures on every page they find. They act out stories in the living room.
Yet too often, these talents are dismissed.
Some children are told:
• Stop wasting time with drama.
• Art will not feed you.
• Focus on something serious.
However, creativity is not a distraction. It is a powerful form of intelligence.
Creativity builds confidence, communication, discipline, teamwork, problem-solving and emotional expression.
Arts also help young people process emotions and create opportunities in film, theatre, music, fashion, design and media.
Parents can support their children by encouraging creativity, attending performances, displaying artwork, enrolling them in arts activities and helping them explore arts education opportunities.
Most importantly, believe in them.
Every child carries a gift. Some are scientists. Some are engineers. Some are teachers. And some are artists.
When parents nurture creativity instead of suppressing it, they help shape the storytellers, cultural leaders and creative innovators of tomorrow. South Africa needs those voices and they might be growing in your own home.
Amanda Tobo, an Arts Advocate, Actress, Author and a PhD Candidate in Disaster Risk Science
