Creative Concoctions with Purpose: {Guest Post}
I am thrilled to welcome my friend and fellow creative mom, Julie Lancaster, to this writing space today. We creative moms get really into what our kids are creating, which can be fun, but the opportunity for our children to explore their own creativity is so valuable. Here’s a simple way Julie has found to let go and let her children create:
Creative Concoctions with Purpose:
I’ll admit it. I’m excitable. As with everything, it can be a blessing and a curse. When I get excited about a spontaneous, “brilliant” idea, here’s me: “Let’s paint rocks that we find in the yard!” “Let’s measure everything in the house!” “Let’s paint our faces with watercolors!” And they willingly follow my lead. But that’s the problem: it’s my lead.
When my 3- and 7-year old lead, they learn leadership: a beautiful and delicate skill. They feel a sense of pride, ownership, confidence, and learn how to include others. They relish the feeling that I trust them to be in charge. They conjure up their own creativity instead of looking to me.
So I have created an activity in our home that lets my children be the leaders. Smoothies.
“The Mommy Letting Go” Smoothie
My only role is in the prep and then I stand back.
Set out: any combination of these ingredients on the counter along with measuring spoons and cups. Then zip your lips. Important note: only set out amounts that you will feel comfortable with if all gets dumped into the blender.
- 2 c liquid: milk (rice, cow, almond), juice, water
- Fruit: berries, bananas, kiwi, mango, avocado
- Yogurt, ice cream
- Honey/maple syrup
- Lemon/lime juice OR cocoa powder and peanut butter
- Extras: protein powder, nutritional yeast, sesame seeds, bee pollen
Then they get to enjoy their own success and also share it with others. So many wonderful lessons from this intentional un-involvement.
And if it tastes terrible, they remind each other to use less peanut butter next time.
Guest Blogger, Julie Lancaster gardens, travels and creates with her husband and two creative kids. She has been published in Mothering Magazine and also leads an online Gardening Community on Facebook.
To read more by Julie, visit:
About the Author
Alissa is a resilience coach, cartoonist, and advocate for ‘connection, not perfection’. She’s dedicated to helping others find a sense of safety and belonging inside themselves so they can heal, connect, and build authentic, joyful lives.