Tuesday, April 14, 2009

As seen on my refrigerator. . .


Noah brought this art project home yesterday and literally tossed it in my office and ran out. When I called him back in to praise him he of course told me it wasn't really good and he was just going to throw it away. I think he's used to seeing his brother get all of the praise and recognition when it comes to art. Of course his brother is pretty much immersed in it all of the time. Noah on the other hand has never had much interest but I definitely saw something in this so I wrote this note and stuck it on the fridge. I wonder if he will notice it today?

I have been writing for my Big Picture class recently about this subject and I thought I would share a little with you. Although my parents were not creative people, they did nurture that side of me. My mom found a lady down the street to teach me cross stitch when I was in 5th grade and my Dad proudly displayed everything I made him in his office (after 34 years, everything is still there, like a little museum of my earlier works)! It's so important for children to be praised for what they have a true interest in, regardless if we have that interest in common. My husband is a great example of that. Although he hoped for at least one boy to coach in baseball, etc., he ended up with 2 boys who really have no interest in organized sports. He is their biggest cheerleader though and daily finds other ways to connect with them, which usually means he takes the mic on Rock Band!!

Happy Tuesday!

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14 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have a little one just like that, his dad is sad he doesnt want to play footy for Ajax but mama is happy he likes to create!!!

Cant please everyone :))

bethchien said...

I think that art is wicked cool!

Faye said...

STOPPED BY TO VISIT.ENJOYED YOUR BLOG VERY MUCH!I WILL BE BACK. BLESSINGS FAYE

stephanie howell said...

Love this post. You and Jared are such good parents. When I was teaching I saw a lot of parents that were NOT like that, and it broke my heart. Keep doing what you are doing, supermama! xo

aday said...

keep working on that class I cannot wait!!

Michelle said...

I could not agree with you more on the praise....its not always the sports, but the little things that go unnoticed! Good for you for making him have a GREAT start to the day once he reads that note ;-)

Stephanie said...

My 13 year old said and I quote

"THAT TOTALLY ROCKS"

Ranjini said...

I can totally relate to this. Bobby too was hoping (in our case, to have a SON who would be his sports buddy) but he has taken really well to being the dad of a very GIRLY girl, who also has no interest in sports. Good for you and Jared for recognizing his brilliance - you are fabulous parents and many years into the future he will remember this small act of encouragement with love.
Also, I owe you a phone call - will call you in the morning!

Tricia Wilson said...

Quite possibly my favorite post of all time!

Anonymous said...

I am very thankful for the artistic gifts in our family.....And I have to say thankful to you for your daily inspiration. Great story about the boys in your life. Isn't it great to see ourselves in our children what a wonderful miracle they are. His artwork is just beautiful...It is amazing to me the number of children who don't have the opportunity to nurture their artistic abilities. Praise and praise some more.

Jeanne Oliver said...

It is so good that you were able to stop and encourage your son....good mom;-) Look what your parent's encouragement did for you!

Anonymous said...

Looking way back (!), I remember how both my boys had different interests. It was easy to give attention and praise to the accomplishments of the one who had interests a lot like mine but harder with the other. BUT, it is worth the extra effort as I can see the results in their adult lives. Keep up the good work girls.

Jen Gallacher said...

What a great way to let him know how awesome you think he is. And just read your post on Savannah. Isn't it awesome?!! I loved living there in that wonderful culture every day.

Mandy said...

Oh...i love kids art..i taught vis arts in school acouple of years back...all kids can achieve in this subject...and i just love to look at it...xxx