Creative writing can be a wonderful skill to have. It can be an outlet for your child to explore their thoughts and feelings, and it can also be a way for them to communicate with others. There are many options for parents who would like to coach their children in creative writing, but how? What should you look out for? How much does it really help?
The following will discuss some tips on how to help your child become the best writer they can be!
Pick Some Genre That They Will Relate To
When it comes to creative writing, most people think about poems or short stories. While these are fantastic outlets for creative expression, it is also important to encourage your child to write in a way that relates to someone else. This way, even if their work does not represent their personality perfectly, it will still have some value as art.
For example, if you have a teenage daughter who loves to write fantasy stories, but sometimes the themes or settings are too mature for them, consider whether or not she should be writing in that genre. It can be an excellent way to expose her to new ideas and experiences, but it can also be challenging for a teen to translate their own thoughts and feelings into a set of characters and a plotline. A parent who recognizes this might recommend an indie fantasy novel by an up-and-coming author instead. While it still has all of the elements that their daughter enjoys, it will relate more to the people who follow the story.
Make It Fun And Creative
Many children love writing because, as youngsters, it is something that they can do alone or with their friends. While some adults may see writing as a chore that they need to get through, it is important to look at it from a child’s perspective. This is where most people lose sight of the fun that they could be having. This is especially important if you want your child to keep pursuing creative writing as a hobby. Encourage your children to write how they feel without worrying about whether or not their work is good.
You can help your child by suggesting various genres that they can explore, as well as providing them with the necessary materials to write. For instance, if they have an interest in science fiction, let them explore it through a children’s story. You can also help by purchasing books and movies relating to the topic to help inspire your child.
Have Fun With It!
Finally, it is important to remember that creative writing should be fun! Although it can be stressful to see your child struggle with the expectations that come with teaching them a new skill, it can also be incredibly rewarding to see them discover a talent that they can develop and grow into. If you can, take the time to have fun with it – make lesson games and contests where the kids can compete against each other and celebrate their successes. This will not only help establish a fun learning environment, but it can also help your child practice their skills in the company of others.
Encouraging creative writing in your children can help them find their own voice, build confidence, and develop communication skills. It can also be a way for them to explore various genres and develop an interest in topics that they may not have considered before. Ultimately, it can help them find happiness through the development of a hobby that they love.