The Artist's Way for Parents: Raising Creative Children

I am only 1/3 of the way through, but I am very happy that I bought the book. If you're a busy parent who has questioned if you have the time to read for pleasure, let alone explore your creative yearnings, this is a must-read. As Cameron states, "taking pleasure in our true interests teaches [your children] to do the same"(p. 35).StructureThe book is nicely organized into 12 chapters with brief exercises parsed out through the chapters. For example, as Cameron explores the importance of unstructured play, she asks the reader to list the playtime activities s/he most enjoyed as a kid. The second part of the exercise challenges the reader to find a way to share those same treasured play activities with her/his child. Cameron shares stories of her clients throughout the years to demonstrate the validity of these exercises as well as the other advice she offers. As someone who loves to take notes in a book like this, I appreciate the wide outer margins of each page, as well as the blank page used to divide the chapters, as it's here that I can jot down the ideas I develop to use with my own kids.My Experience in ReadingFor me personally, the book has brought a delving-into-the-past component that bears a strong resemblance to therapy. I actually appreciate this, even though at times it's been emotionally challenging. I get these sense that Cameron would make a very good coach - she pushes just to the point that her readers can handle! I find her tone authentic and loving, and I appreciate that her sense of "God" (as she brings God up at several points in the book) is conveyed in a way that meets others where they are in their journey with God. That said, the book is not religious, in case anyone was wondering.My RecommendationsI have not read the original she wrote, so if you have "The Artists Way," you may not need this book. I had been hearing from people for years that I should read the former, so now I feel like I am killing two birds with one stone --- exploring my own creative nature, while learning practical ways to instill that in my children, i.e. making a doll, going on nature walks, bringing flowers into the house so that color and texture can be explored, etc. Reading this book will prove to be an easy 15 minutes of time to yourself each day!

Basically this is the same as the Artist's Way, but you are encouraged to take your kid with you on Artist Dates in addition to your own artist dates, artist walks, and morning pages. Basically if you are creative and take your kid with you regularly, they'll probably grow up with some creativity too.

I really liked this book. Of course it is a bit biased towards helping your kids become artists, which I am not necessarily focused on. I am not even close to being an artist and Im not planning on pushing my kid(s?) into a particular profession at all, but I do want to nurture creativity on them for sure... (Or at least not unconsciously block it) and this book gives great advise and tips on what types of activities you can and should think of when raising your kids... I'll definitely go back to my notes relatively often to get ideas and "stay on course"...

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! I THINK EVERY PARENT SHOULD READ THIS BOOK AND APPLY THE IDEAS IN IT. OUR CHILDREN OF TODAY ARE LOSING CREATIVITY BECAUSE OF SO MUCH FOCUS ON ELECTRONICS!!!!! Great book; would love to buy more copies; great condition!!

I guess I was expecting more projects or advice on creating artful/creative spaces for children. Instead, this book struck me as more of a parenting book and was simply not what I was looking for.That said, it has good advice for the new parent.

This is a gift. If my granddaughter reads it and implements the suggestions...even better!

Good read.

Julia Cameron did it again. She inspires parents to raise healthy well-adjusted creative children. I have almost all of Cameron's books.Children need encouragement and parents who listen to children to hear what those needs are.

Bought as a gift. The recipient loved it. She has books from the same author and likes her very much.

this was a present for a friend, the feedback I got back is that is was useful.

I loved it is for parents. It could go deeper into children’s creativity - it’s more about the journey of discovery together, which is affirming. And the transformative nature of discovering a purpose in life. Stories from real life.

So far so good. I have some great ideas already and only on the first chapter! Easy to read style. I loved her first book so this is a great continuation...

This is presented to my daughter who is an artist & art teacher fro small children.The book is well designed, could be used as a work book.