Parenting Creative Teens

Highly imaginative teens see the world differently than we do…and that’s okay. 

The goal is to come alongside them to help them see their creativity as a gift from the Creator. Yes, it’s rough and in-process. It needs to be refined by him and pursued with him.

The question is whether we should encourage them to pursue their creativity seriously after high school…or just be practical and get a degree or job that pays the bills? A good friend puts it this way, “Do we raise our kids to be society’s definition of successful or to be disciples of Jesus?” It’s easy to equally want both…but that’s not what’s offered. Disciples of Jesus must follow Jesus as he leads. And rarely does he care about the world’s definition of success. 

There are no easy answers for parenting highly creative teens but there are helpful ways to navigate it:

• Engage with them in their creative pursuits. Be curious, not critical

• Help them gain real-world experience (an internship?) in what they’re drawn to

• Introduce them to God as Creator (of them, art, and their area of interest)

• Discuss practical ways they can make a living as they keep pursuing their dreams

• Realize that God will refine their current creative vision over time

• Choose relationship over control for older teens and their dreams

• Remember those most likely to succeed over time are the ones who love what they do 

One final idea. Invite your teenagers to sign up for these daily thoughts on God, Story, and Creativity here. Then, find ways to discuss some of the topics with them. You’ll be surprised where God takes the conversation from there!

Order your copy of Waves of Creativity here.