Parenting
Updated: Jan. 31, 2017
Originally Published: March 25, 2011
I know this might make me sound like a terrible parent, but the moment I catch a glimpse of that spark of creativity in my kids—when one of them shouts, “Oh! I have an AMAZING idea!”—my heart sinks a little.
In theory, their bursts of inspiration are fantastic. However, the reality is that they often demand an overwhelming amount of effort on my part. Trust me, I’ve learned this lesson the hard way.
When my seven-year-old, Leo, gets an idea, it’s like a tornado of creativity that sweeps away any patience or reason he once had (which, let’s be honest, was already in short supply). His aspirations are often grand and, quite frankly, unrealistic. And who ends up being responsible for turning those fantasies into reality? You guessed it.
I thought it would be a good idea to enroll my kids in a week-long filmmaking camp. What a mistake that was! The camp has ignited their imaginations, which I usually prefer to keep at a gentle simmer. When I picked them up yesterday, Leo was bursting with excitement, ready to dive into making a stop-motion short film.
These particular bursts of inspiration are the ones I dread the most. They require a hefty time commitment and involve technology that I’m not even sure how to use. I can build a Lego Eiffel Tower or help him draft a mash-up of Harry Potter and How to Train Your Dragon without breaking a sweat. But anything that requires editing software? No thanks.
So, at six o’clock, Leo decides he wants to make a movie. Meanwhile, I have to whip up dinner, manage bath time, and read bedtime stories. The last time we attempted a film, it turned into a marathon project that took us two to four hours—definitely not something to embark on right before bed.
These are the moments of inspiration that I fear the most. When I gently explain to Leo that we simply don’t have time to make a movie tonight, he goes into an absolute frenzy. Doesn’t he realize that he’s in the midst of an unstoppable creative force that can’t be delayed or cut short? He is fueled by an intense desire to CREATE, and bedtime is the least of his concerns. This is a masterpiece brewing in his mind, and he can’t hold on to it for long before it fades away. Do I really want his BRILLIANT MASTERPIECE to go unseen?
Plus, he insists it will only take five minutes. And, of course, I’m a sucker for it. I cherish his big dreams and creative bursts—perhaps even more than he does. I’ve kept countless drawings of his favorite video game characters; of course, I’ll help him achieve his impossible dream.
So here I am, past bedtime, frantically interviewing a Lego figurine while my four-year-old daughter, Mia, yells from the bathroom for assistance with her own project.
“Mommy, I NEED HELP!”
“Mommy, why aren’t you answering me?”
“MOOOOOMMMMMY!”
Finally, I call out, “We’re FILMING in here! Leo, cut! We’ll have to redo that take after I take care of your sister!”
This is where inspiration leads you—to chaos. This is exactly why I try to keep my kids from getting inspired, unless it means they find motivation to take a nap. Now, that would be a stroke of genius they never seem to have.
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In summary, while my children’s creativity can be overwhelming, it’s also a reminder of the joy and chaos that comes with parenting. Embracing their imaginative ideas can lead to both challenges and cherished memories—just maybe not right before bedtime.
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