How did the ladies in the sixties handle their home and kids on a daily basis and attempt to pursue creativity? I think it must have been as challenging for them then as it is now. I think women today are juggling even more than women fifty plus years ago. And the biggest challenging for those of us who have pursued a family life and a career or creative pursuits is keeping it all balanced. And let's be honest, it is not easy.
When I went to do some shoots recently at the TWA Hotel I decided to bring along all three of my children and my husband for support. They never saw this location and I wanted to share it with them. I didn't take into account that my husband was exhausted from his intense work week and I didn't pack things to keep the children occupied because I assumed I would be done quickly. I was wrong.
I thought a lot about that day. I can say that for three kids they behaved pretty well. They weren't running around like maniacs or screaming or bothering each other. But at some point during the day I felt completely overwhelmed with paying attention to them and their needs and trying to figure out my next photo shoot. I not only got mentally blocked but I just felt utterly defeated at one point.
What I realized and learned that day is that it isn't easy for me to shut myself off from mommying and then switch roles to focus on being a vintage nerd. I realized that going back and forth from the two is very challenging because both are very important to me. Its important that I am always available and aware of my children and their needs and it is important for me to express myself as a creative.
So I put together a few tips that I learned the hard way. I have not perfected this process by any means. But I have become more aware of the challenges of balancing my two worlds and with a lot of patience I will work through them.
Here are 6 Tips on how I balance creativity and motherhood:
Bring a friend or your spouse for support. They can keep an extra eye on the kids and keep them in line.
Pack things in a bag for them. Pack snacks, water, and activities for them. That way there is a slim chance you will hear, "I'm hungry" or "I'm bored" while you are in the middle of a shoot or a painting.
Give yourself a certain time frame to be done. Timing creativity makes creating 1,000 times more challenging. If you are like me, I enjoy the process of creativity flowing and moving through me. When you are on a schedule it makes allowing that so much more difficult but children need a time frame because otherwise they can get antsy and then drive you nuts. When that happens creativity escapes the room and leaves because it cannot flourish in a chaotic environment.
Explain to the kids what are you are trying to do. That way they can get a visual of your plan and also feel like they are a part of your creative process.
Give your children a job to do that can actually help you move the creative process along. They can take your photos for you, help you bring props to your shoots, pass paints and brushes to you, carry your gear for you, etc. Whatever it is that you are working on, if you include them in a small way to be your little helpers it really makes them feel like they are a part of this special work.
Take lots of deep breathes. Try to keep your patience. Keep everyone informed of your needs and concerns. Communication is important.
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