Recently my daughter was struggling with a problem. It would have been easier for me to pick it up and fix it ... probably within an hour, maybe two. But instead I decided that it was a good life lesson. A frustrating one, but a harmless one. It took her nearly 5 days to resolve; I coached her, but only when she asked. Sometimes there are things in life that you can't teach. It is something you have to live to understand.My daughter Anne works with me a lot in my studio, and it is amazing to see how she creates. It's different. Different from what I might chose. But isn't that the best part? I have to hold myself back from saying "why don't you try this ....." because I don't want to stop her creative process.
When we were at Beadfest last year Anne spent time by Melinda Orr's side. And I had the pleasure of watching her learn from Melinda. Branching out and doing things I would never have thought of. The two of them created birds' nests. Something I would have looked at and said ... "maybe we need to straighten this up a bit over here ..." But then look what she ended up making. Something she wears constantly, and takes such pride in saying "I made it." Sometimes the lessons learned aren't for her, they're for me.
I've always been a fan of birds' nest jewelry! I especially like Anne's because it's got a little birdy in it :)
ReplyDeleteGood for you mom! When I was young and had a problem my dad would just keep saying 'use your head' over and over.
ReplyDeleteLike so many men he yelled a lot which did not help at all. Needless to say I learned nothing. Don't get me wrong, I love my dad but I grew up fearing my dad and I have very little confidence in myself.
Smart mom! Sometimes we have to let our kids find their way. It builds character.
ReplyDeleteIt can be so difficult to let them struggle, to step back and figure out their own ways of doing things. Still, Anne did a great job! (And so did you Mom.)
ReplyDeleteHaving gotten two children to adulthood, I know exactly what you're talking about. Sometimes it's so hard not to get involved but children don't learn how to deal with life if they don't take care of their problems when they know that have support if they need it. My daughter and I work together all the time and we have since she was a child. Her art is very different from mine and I love it! We are so fortunate to have children with whom we can share our interests and watch them grow into beautiful independent adults!
ReplyDeleteThey do seem to teach us just as much as we teach them. It is a struggle to not just "fix" everything. As a family that has received some of Bead Girl's creations ~ she is an uber talent already! I cannot wait to see how she grows and what her mind comes up with.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great lesson! She did a beautiful job on the necklace!
ReplyDeleteThat's so great that you let her make her own creative choices and branch out. Her nest necklace turned out beautifully :)
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I have no children - but, I can imagine how you were biting your tongue - bravo to you!
ReplyDeleteNow...for that birds nest pendant...THERE IS A BIRDIE IN THERE, TOO! I love, love, love this pendant! She did a fabulous job! The apple does not fall far from the tree..at least, on the crafty side of things! :)
This is a beautiful blog post and one that resonates - good for you mum and love the pendant as well. x
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post! Thank you for some "mom wisdom".
ReplyDeleteAnne's birds nest to just the right amount of messy and the eggs sit in there perfectly! She did a beautiful job. You are a good mom for not jumping in to "fix" the problem and letting her figure it out on her own..
ReplyDeleteThat's one lucky kid getting to go to Beadfest! Making a "keeper" like that wonderful birds nest is something she will treasure for her entire life. Stepping back is so much harder than stepping in. Your hands off approach will allow her to grow and gain self confidence, something that will continue to help her all through life.
ReplyDeleteI love Anne's bird nest. It is different from others I have seen done. Different is way better!
ReplyDeleteFunny how things go ;o) I love the bird's nest!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you're the perfect mom and teacher, Cynthia! How fortunate you are to have a gal that loves beading and being creative.
ReplyDeleteI always like seeing all the creative work you've done! So beautiful....do you sleep?
Happy creating!
It's hard not to 'help them' I am guilty of that :( That's a pretty bird nest she made!
ReplyDeleteThat was the best part of Bead Fest for me! She's a creative whiz! Not many I know can go with a few basic ideas and pull out a wonderful design...lol...it's taken me years and I'm still pulling my hair out trying to come up will something creative! She has such a creative soul....when can we play again??
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