Fall: The Rise of Possibilities
9-year-old Celeste thinks creativity has different shapes and colors
Nine months into the Coronavirus pandemic and the next few months aren’t promising any changes to the new normal. The strain of virtual schooling is hitting parents and teachers pretty hard. When it comes to our kids, we don’t have to worry about the virus, so much as the stress, they are feeling from ongoing uncertainty and time away from friends. These are stressful times for all of us, and it can be tempting to try to ignore or quickly move through discomfort. When you feel stress, it’s best to Pause, take a deep breath, and notice the moment just as it is. This time of year (Fall in the Northern Hemisphere) invites us to slow down, gather, and reflect in gratitude. In the spirit of Fall, we share with you a reflection of your child’s genius. Instead of anything you have to “do”, this is a positive framework to apply when things feel hectic.
Genius?
What comes to your mind when you hear the word “genius”? Albert Einstein, great universities, or a famous artist perhaps? Genius has become something we think of as quite rare. A quality that we can calculate and then value as only belonging to a select few.
10-year old, Terri, suggests that we empty our minds and use our hearts to be creative
Now, a harder question: What if it’s just not true that genius resides in only a few? It can be hard for us to reconsider words that have been in our vocabulary for a long time. But we really owe it to our kids to take a closer look at “genius”. Genius is a creative ability that emerges from within the individual. It’s not a gene, blood type, or subject taught in school. Genius is more like a seed of possibility that each of us is born with. Think back to when you looked in your child’s eyes when they were born, or the times you watched them take on amazing new feats as they stumbled around discovering the world. Didn’t you marvel at the possibility that their life held? Would they be scientists, teachers, inventors, mothers, and fathers? It’s this possibility within your child that brings with it a genius-level capability of self-expression. Don’t take our word for it, research has shown this genius-level ability is present in every child but recedes over time. As self-expression wanes, it often takes our sense of possibility with it.
7-year-old boy, Dylan, didn’t need to do any research to come up with this genius opinion
In this Fall season, let’s gather and reflect on the possibilities (creative genius) within our kids. Let’s create space for their inner self-expression to flow. This isn’t so much something you have to do or teach, as to allow. Allow yourself to once again marvel at their unique way of creating. Allow your kids to express themselves in whichever way they choose.
At TaleTree, we believe in the genius within all children. It’s that inner-genius we cultivate and encourage across our platforms. Every week we host an online creative camp, kids are free to express themselves as they choose. Tale Tree kids are writers, painters, bakers, chalk artists, robot-builders, photographers, and so much more! All kids age 5 -13 are invited to join. If you would like more tips on cultivating your child’s inner genius, send us a message at contact@taletree.app.
