SOCIAL SCIENCES

The Artist's Way for Parents: Raising Creative Children

by Julia Cameron
with Emma Lively. Tarcher. 2013. 288p. ISBN 9780399163722. $26.95; ebk. ISBN 9781101613061. CHILD REARING
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Cameron's acclaimed The Artist's Way (1992) is practically an institution in and of itself. Here she focuses on how parents can nurture creativity in their children ages 0–12. Cameron gently reminds readers that we are spiritual beings with creativity a part of our DNA. By using three basic tools (morning pages, creative expeditions, and highlights), Cameron demonstrates how to cultivate curiosity, connection, self-expression, discovery, and more. Unlike many parenting titles that put the bulk of the work on mom and dad to institute change and/or orchestrate activities, Cameron concentrates on clever ways for children and parents to develop their own individual and spiritual creativity while at play. She is a strong advocate for independence, arguing that we do not need to abandon our children to get back to ourselves.
VERDICT Cameron's approach of valuing the artistic process in all people makes the book feel like familial terroir, where a parent's creative habits trickle down into the souls of the youngest scribblers. Her style is uplifting, spiritually motivated, and rich in narrative. Recommended for the many readers who loved The Artist's Way.
Reviewed by Julianne Smith , Nov 15, 2013
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