Q&A: Kids and Creativity

QUESTION: I was wondering if your daughters have gotten into the stamping and scrapbooking venue, too? Do you spend time together stamping and scrapbooking? --submitted by Danelle, January 20, 7:51 am

ANSWER: Creativity is part of my life and it always has been. And from the time I was a teenager, I chose to express that creativity with photos, paper, stamping, cards, and of course, my beloved scrapbooks. As a mother (and I'm sure all of you who are can relate!), there are certain traits I've tried to nurture in my children. Tops on my list are independence, perseverance, spirituality, kindness, gratitude -- and of course, creativity!

Another thing I've learned is that even people who share the same traits can find different expressions for them. It was always important for me not to force my kids to do "my thing," but to find their own creative passion. Interestingly, my daughter Rachel does quite a bit of stamping and scrapbooking. In fact, she currently works as an artist at Close To My Heart and loves it. It's been a great fit for her, and I'm so happy about that! However, she also likes cooking up other kinds of creativity - literally! She hopes to attend culinary school soon, and I think that's absolutely fabulous.

My son Jared is incredibly creative (as those of you who read my post linking to his singing video already know). Last year, he played Corny Collins in "Hairspray" in a professional theater organization, and he does stand-up comedy and a variety of corporate and comedic videos. I never would have guessed that my encouragement of "creativity" would flourish in him in this way, but every time I see him on stage, I'm so proud of him and his many talents.

Ashley's creative side has drawn her toward the beauty and fashion industry. She can style just about any person or any home to make it stunningly gorgeous. She has impeccable taste and can pull together a look for an outfit from head to toe, and I've come to rely on her before I step out on stage or in front of the cameras - except for Convention 2011, when she was home readying for baby #4. Motherhood may be a different type of creativity, but ask any woman with four children under 10, and I assure you, it requires creativity in abundance!

My youngest daughter Aubrey may be my quietest child, but her creativity runs deep and passionate. She has a great flair for music and plays guitar and violin beautifully. She's also a fabulous photographer with an artist's eye and a real love of classic film cameras; no digital for this girl!

So, Danelle, I guess the short answer to your question is probably no, my children and I don't spend a lot of time together stamping and scrapbooking. But I love it, and they love what I've created over the years. Even more importantly, I love them, and I LOVE that they've all found their own creative passions and that each path has been uniquely their own. As a mom, I couldn't want anything more!