Jillian Riley: Raising a Creative Kid

I am so blessed to know so many amazing, talented women. One of them, Jillian Riley from A Mom With a Lesson Plan, has written a wonderful ebook resource centered around a topic that I’m passionate about as well — Raising a Creative Kid. I asked Jillian if she would answer a few questions about her project to share with you.

First off, tell us a little about your background and why that’s let you to feel creativity is so important.

With a degree in Early Childhood and 10 years of experience teaching preschool, I was fortunate enough to start out parenting my own two kids with a strong foundation. While I believed very strongly in the creative environment I was providing for M and M, it wasn’t until a little over a year ago that I really began to see the results. They are able to solve complex problems without batting an eyelash. They have confidence in their decisions and can accept mistakes as part of their learning process. As they grow and experience life, these characteristics will be irreplaceable assets. And I owe it all to an environment that allowed them to safely explore creativity.

What was your motivation for writing this ebook — What were you hoping the outcome would be for people who read it?

My sister was the motivation for this eBook. Her and everyone else who feels like creativity is an unattainable dream. I am creative… and so are you. That is what I’ve always told her. I may be “crafty” but creativity is so much more than that. While I was writing Raising a Creative Kid I was intentional about making every step as simple as possible. I want readers to walk away feeling more creative and prepared to set up a simple creative environment for their kids.

Do you think there’s really such a thing as the “creative type”?

Very good question. I think there are people who ooze creativity. For some it’s music, for others it’s being able to creatively stretch a dollar. While those people appear to be “creative types” I would argue that for them creativity is practiced. They have found an outlet that allows them to be creative over and over. Just like with anything else, the more often you practice creativity the easier it becomes.

Can you describe how this book will help parents in their own homes?

Raising a Creative Kid includes a Creative Exercise at the end of each section. These exercises are designed to help parents put tips and techniques for each section into action immediately. In my own home I prefer to use materials and tools that are inexpensive or free, you will find that is a theme through out the eBook.

So in your own creative home, what are the current favorite creative outlets for your kids?

Big M (7 years old) loves to build. He builds with Legos, blocks or wood. I love to watch him create because everything he builds has a story. While the end product is often very cool, his process is amazing.

Little M (5 years old) is more of a performer. She sings, dances and tells fantastic stories. The other day she was singing in the bathroom for 20 minutes. I wanted so badly to open the door and see the expression on her face while she belted out the words, but I knew disturbing her would only cut into her process. (So I listened outside the door.)

I know you believe that creativity is valuable for adults as well as children. What is your favorite creative outlet?

Hmmm. That is a tough one. I love creating in almost any form but I think cake decorating is my favorite. Wait, maybe writing. Of course I am singing all day long. I guess it just depends on what mood I’m in. 🙂

Thank you so much, to Jillian, for sharing her passion and her project with us. Check out Jill’s book: Click here to visit A Mom With A Lesson Plan.

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Comments

Cathie J says

August 24, 2012 at 5:19 am

Thanks for the information on the new book. Appreciate it. Come visit me at toddlersthroughpreschool.com anytime and leave some feedback!
Cathie J

rick ackerly says

August 24, 2012 at 5:17 pm

Can’t wait to read the book. We all grew up in a culture which assumed that there are only a few creative people. Creativity has become more of a requirement for life than…well most things… and is required for success in all disciplines. We need to change our mindsets and our schools and follow your lead. Congratualtions.