Table of Contents
Preface ix
Acknowledgments xi
How to Use This Book xiii
Chapter 1 Talk Less, Draw, Dance, and Sing More 1
Why art? 1
When words aren't enough 3
Keep parenting goals in mind 6
Find the fun 7
The not-so-artsy parent 9
Chapter 2 Why We Love to Hate Glitter Glue (and Other Struggles with Art) 11
Where limits meet freedom of expression 12
Messy, loud, and off-key 20
Destruction 25
Letting go 33
Chapter 3 Survive the Day 36
Creative cures to conflicts 37
Time to brush teeth, doo wop, doo wop 45
Behavior is communication (even with siblings) 49
Buyers beware 53
(Useful) praise 56
Chapter 4 Connect First 62
A hidden language 63
A doorway to talking 73
Rebuild lost connection 77
The ties that bind 84
When kids struggle to connect 87
Chapter 5 Raise Happy Kids 93
Tolerating challenging feelings 94
Releasing and containing feelings 102
A reflection of the self 111
De-Stress 120
Confronting fears 123
Chapter 6 Raise Successful Kids 130
Maximize the nutritional content of art 130
Why creative thinkers matter … a lot 132
From preschool to graduate school 138
But I am paying attention 148
Hidden barriers to academic success 154
Chapter 7 Tap Into Your Own Inner Artist 158
Develop a creative mindset 158
Find inspiration in the mundane 160
Use mental imagery to get unstuck 163
Access your inner resources 166
Relax and recharge 174
Epilogue 181
Appendix 1 Guidelines for Talking about Art and Life 183
Appendix 2 Supplies to Get Started 189
Appendix 3 Where to Put All That Art 191
Appendix 4 A Word on the Creative Arts Therapies 193
References 197
Index 211
