Parenting by Personality: Part VI

Today, we will be looking at the last "Parenting by Personality", the Artsy Kid vs. All-Thumbs Mom. Your child is artistic; you're not. You don't have to be a good at art to appreciate it, especially your child's creations. "Your young Rembrandt's work can give you insight into his/her mind, "says Dr. Berman, PsyD, a Los Angeles-based family therapist and author of The A to Z Guide to Raising Happy, Confident Kids. "That's why therapist employ art therapy. Creating something with your child is a wonderful opportunity to have fun together and for both of you to let down your inhibitions and get your fingers dirty."

What to do:

1. Ask your child specific questions about their art. "Can you tell me how you came to draw the face like that?" What inspired you to make this?"

2. Check into children's art programs at your local library or museum or your child's school.

3. Talk to the art teacher about your child's potential and ho you can encourage it.

4. Visit museums with your child.

5. Read books or watch programs about artist together.

6. Ultimately, you need to allow you child to follow their passion.

Whether your kids share traits with you, your partner or neither, all kids are individuals with surprising interests and abilities. In fact, one of the great joys of parenting is seeing life through your child's eyes. The more different he/she is from you, the fresher that perspective. Take time to know , appreciate and encourage their singular personality and you'll not only see the world in a new way, you'll see something even more exciting: how your child fits into it.