I can’t help but feel like a terrible parent, but the moment I see that spark of creativity in my kids, a flash of inspiration, and one of them shouts, “Oh! I have an AMAZING idea!” – I instantly feel a wave of annoyance wash over me.
In theory, their bursts of inspiration are fantastic. In reality, they require an overwhelming amount of effort from me, a lesson I’ve learned the hard way. Whenever my seven-year-old, Luca, gets a bright idea, my immediate assistance is a must. His creative drive is so intense that it wipes away any trace of patience or logic he might have—though that was already in short supply. He dreams big dreams. And who is left to turn those dreams into reality? You guessed it.
I made a questionable decision to enroll the kids in a week-long filmmaking camp. Big mistake. The camp has ignited their imaginations, which I prefer to keep at a low simmer. When I picked them up yesterday, Luca was quick to share that he was “inspired” to create a stop-motion animation film.
These filmmaking ideas are the ones I dread the most, as they’re the most time-intensive and involve technology I’m not entirely familiar with. I’d happily help him build a Lego version of the Eiffel Tower or write a mash-up of his favorite stories, but please, nothing that requires editing software.
So, at 6 PM, my child decides it’s the perfect time to make a movie. Meanwhile, there’s dinner to prepare, bedtime routines to follow, and I know from past experience that making a movie can easily consume two to four hours—not exactly the kind of project to start right before bedtime.
These well-timed bursts of inspiration fill me with dread. When I gently tell him, “Sweetheart, I don’t think we have enough time to make a movie before bed,” he erupts in frustration. Doesn’t he realize? He’s in the grip of a cosmic creative force that cannot be delayed, diminished, or abbreviated. He possesses a burning need to CREATE that sets his heart ablaze with passion. Bedtime? He doesn’t care. Teeth brushing? Not on his radar. He sees a masterpiece in his mind and fears it will fade away if he doesn’t act fast. Do I want his BRILLIANT MASTERPIECE to languish in obscurity? Absolutely not!
Plus, he insists it’ll only take five minutes. And, of course, I fall for it. I’m a sucker for his ambitious plans, maybe even more than he is. I’ve saved countless drawings of his favorite characters for goodness’ sake. Naturally, I agree to help him realize his lofty dream.
Which brings me to a chaotic scene past bedtime, where I find myself interviewing a Lego ninja while ignoring my four-year-old daughter, Mia, who is crying out for assistance with her own project in the bathroom.
“Mommy, I need help wiping!”
“Mommy, why aren’t you helping me?”
“Mommy!!”
To which I finally respond, “We’re FILMING in here! Luca, just STOP! We’ll have to do that again after I help your sister.”
This is where inspiration takes you. This is why I try to keep my kids’ creative urges in check. Unless, of course, they get inspired to take a nap. Now, that would be a stroke of genius they never seem to have.
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Summary: The article humorously reflects on the challenges of parenting when faced with children’s bursts of creativity. The author shares the chaos that ensues when her son gets inspired to make a movie right before bedtime, highlighting the struggle of balancing parental duties and encouraging creativity.