My Artist Child: A Journey of Discovering Creativity
As parents, we often dream big for our children. We envision them excelling in school, sports, and everything in between. And, like many, my husband and I wanted our daughter, Anjali, to grow up strong, healthy, and confident. We believed that early exposure to different activities would nurture her development and help her discover her true passions.
Two years ago, when Anjali was just five years old, we began looking for that spark—the moment when we would see her naturally gravitate toward something that lit up her world. We had heard from experts that the earlier you introduce a child to new activities, the better their chances of developing new skills and interests. And while we wanted her to explore her creativity, we also wanted her to be physically strong and confident, particularly as a young girl in today’s world.
With that in mind, we decided to introduce Anjali to Taekwondo. Our reasoning was simple: sports keep children healthy, strong, and flexible, and Taekwondo would also teach her discipline, self-defense, and confidence. We found a local Taekwondo institute, and Anjali started her journey.
The Taekwondo Journey: A Path of Routine
The beginning was a little tough. Anjali struggled to keep up with the rigorous training and fast-paced classes. The energy, the movements, the discipline—it was all new to her, and she found it challenging at first. But, as time went on, something remarkable happened. Anjali adapted, and she began to enjoy it. She made friends in her class, and the excitement of learning new skills started to shine through. She worked hard and earned her Yellow One Belt, which was a proud moment for all of us.
However, as the months passed, I began to notice a shift in her attitude. The once-excited girl who looked forward to her Taekwondo classes now went because it had become routine. She wasn’t unhappy, but the spark seemed to have faded. She no longer had the same enthusiasm she had when she first started. As parents, we felt conflicted—should we continue to push her in this direction, or was it time to let her explore something else?
A New Spark: The Discovery of Art
While Taekwondo remained part of Anjali's schedule, something wonderful started to happen. I began to notice her picking up a pencil and drawing randomly—scribbling figures, creating shapes, and sketching out her ideas. It wasn’t just doodling; there was an underlying curiosity in her work. She started watching art videos on YouTube, mimicking techniques, and bringing her own creativity to life on paper. As a parent, I could sense this was more than a passing interest—it was a genuine spark.
It didn’t take long for me to realize that Anjali had developed an interest in art. Her imagination was coming to life through colors, shapes, and textures. I knew I had to nurture this newfound passion.
I began researching local art institutes. I didn’t want to just send her to any generic place where art was taught like a business; I was looking for a teacher who was truly passionate about art and could foster Anjali’s creativity. After some searching, I found an art studio that seemed to be the perfect fit—where the focus was not on rigid techniques but on encouraging individuality and artistic expression.
The Balancing Act: Taekwondo vs. Art
But then came the challenge of managing it all. Anjali's schedule was becoming packed. between her Taekwondo classes, art lessons, and schoolwork, she was always on the go. Yet, despite her busy life, Anjali never complained. She tried her best to balance everything, but as parents, we could see the strain it was causing. We didn’t want her to feel overwhelmed or burned out at such a young age, so we decided to give her a choice.
When we asked her, "Which would you prefer—Taekwondo or art?" without any hesitation, she answered with one simple word: "Art."
And just like that, Taekwondo was no longer part of her life.
Struggles and Triumphs in the Artistic Journey
The decision to focus on art wasn’t as easy as it seemed. In the first few months, Anjali struggled with motor skills—her hand-eye coordination wasn’t quite where it needed to be. As a mother, this was a bit stressful for me. I wanted her to succeed, and I could see her frustration at times. But we didn’t give up. We worked together—Anjali, her art teacher, and I—through the struggles. Every art assignment was an opportunity to improve, and slowly but surely, her skills started to develop.
It wasn’t an easy path, but seeing her passion grow made it all worth it. Her ability to express herself through her artwork started to bloom. I watched as her drawings became more refined, more intricate, and more personal.
The Blossoming Artist: A Unique Journey
Today, almost a year later, I can proudly say that Anjali is truly becoming a unique artist. It’s not just about the technique—though that’s growing with each lesson—it’s about the way she expresses her world. Her art tells a story, reflects her emotions, and shows a side of her that’s entirely her own. The joy and excitement in her eyes as she picks up a brush or a pencil to create something new are unmistakable.
Anjali's art journey has been nothing short of incredible. Watching her evolve, learn, and push boundaries has been one of the most fulfilling experiences as a parent. I’m so proud of the artist she is becoming, and I’m beyond excited to see where her creativity takes her.
If you’re interested in following Anjali’s artistic journey, I’ve created a YouTube channel to showcase her artwork. You can find it here on our channel: Amma Anjali and Art
Here are some of her unique works:
Final Thoughts: Nurturing Creativity
As parents, it’s our role to guide our children, but it’s also important to recognize and nurture their passions. Sometimes the spark doesn’t come when you expect it, and that’s okay. Our job is to be patient, supportive, and open to the unexpected paths our children may take.
Anjali’s journey as an artist has reminded me of one important lesson: creativity isn’t something we can force—it’s something that grows naturally when we allow it the space to flourish.
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to support my little artist in her creative journey, and I can’t wait to see what she will create next.
