Creative Music and Theatre with Claire

It took me sooooo long to learn this. And even after I learned it I still had to *learn* it. And then I think I forgot it? And had to learn it again. So I’m gonna be on a relationship-with-self, self-awareness kind of kick for the next little while, gearing up for the workshops I’m doing with @tinamariemeyer (if you haven’t noticed I’ve already started). Don’t worry, there’s lots of creativity involved, I’m really not that far from my original focus here. In fact, th...ere WILL be creative exercises in the workshops. The connection is pretty clear - when you do lots of creative work, you kind of have to dig deep into yourself and pull out a lot of vulnerable stuff. I jumped RIGHT into my growth work (after waiting way too long to start lol) and I would love to help others do the same! I know lots of techniques to bring the hidden stuff to the surface, to get us all into our bodies, and to feel safe being vulnerable. Anyway, for those at the beginning of your self growth journey, I can safely tell you, it WORKS! Working on yourself DOES make it easier to be in relationships with other people! It’s so gratifying and exciting! And for those who are in the middle of your self growth journey, you can attest to this, right? I’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter below! And for those of you who are at the end of your self growth journey, I’m so sorry but that’s not a thing, you’re also in the middle. How’s your relaish with yourself? See more

Anyone else? It’s not like they’re doing it on PURPOSE! What is it about family that brings out the...ahem...lack of composure, let’s say, in us all?... We can put into practice all the great work we’ve done on ourselves and feel great, so healthy, such a strong handle on all our issues. And then practice on our families? Suddenly we’re 12 again and feeling like NOBODY UNDERSTANDS ME. I’m obv projecting a little, but I know the general concept is relatable because Ram Dass said it. @tinamariemeyer would say that being with family is a great opportunity to show us what work we still need to do (or something along those lines), and listen she’s not wrong. If you want some support working on these things, join Tina-Marie and I at our Relationship Building Workshop on Sunday February 28th, link in bio. I’m working on active listening. What are you working on? See more

New news! So @tinamariemeyer and I decided to do a one-off workshop before we get to the BIG workshop (Parenting and Grandparenting Together, link in bio ) and I think it’s amazing. This Relationship Building workshop is meant to enhance the parent/grandparent relationship, but really, it’s for anyone. ... It’s all about developing self-awareness. However self-aware you are, it’s ALWAYS useful to dig deeper. The more we work on ourselves, the better we’re able to communicate and maintain healthy relationships. In this 90 minute workshop, Tina-Marie and I will take you through the process of opening up, help you find your core values, and give you some invaluable tools for communication. Sunday, February 28th, 5pm EST / 2pm PT Link in bio or visit www.creativewithclaire.com

I have a very exciting announcement! I’ve teamed up with Growth and Relationship Coach @tinamariemeyer to create a course for parents and grandparents! I follow a lot of parenting accounts, and one of the main questions I see coming up again and again is how do I get the grandparents on board?! Who can relate? ... And having spoken to lots of grandparents, they’re having all sorts of feelings about new methods of parenting, their roles with the kids, and having adult children. There’s clearly a disconnect between the generations, and Tina-Marie and I want to help! We want to help end the struggles with communication. To build connection and understanding. And COMPASSION for self and others. The course is a series of online workshops, 5 Sundays starting February 28th, 2021! The course includes: 5 weekly zoom sessions with Tina-Marie and Claire Virtual workbooks for your personalized homework Printable handouts with personal growth tools/activities Connection with other participants in the course and beyond Access to Tina-Marie and Claire for support throughout the 5 weeks We’ll be giving you lots more info in the coming week, so stay tuned. We can’t wait to start working with you! Check it out here: https://mailchi.mp/3427883d2ba1/gfsfnhj0nm Or visit my website for more details: www.creativewithclaire.com

Special announcement! I made a PODCAST. It’s me being a creative goof and interviewing kids! It’s 25 minutes long! Enjoy! https://open.spotify.com/episode/4gIv2Wieu2QsAhbScCI6lz

The moon is full tonight! Whether or not you've ever noticed a difference in yourself, others, and kids during a full moon, the waxing and waning is an awesome symbol for the balance of our energies. When it's full, it's fun to get into the spirit - think about vivacity, excitement, inspiration, and yes, chaos. ... Giving kids (and grown ups) an outlet for inner chaos is a super useful release. Having a safe space to express and explore these feelings through creative play allows kids to find balance later. To be more direct - designated wild times allow for more calm moods later. You can tell kids "the moon is full tonight, let's let out all our wild energy now!" You can set a timer where the kids can be as loud and active as they want (keeping them physically safe) Be honest with your energy - what chaos are you feeling right now? If it's appropriate for kids to hear, be honest about it! If it's inappropriate or inaccessible, substitute adult stuff for kid-friendly stuff (mad at capitalism = pretend there's a tyrant king, issues with your partner = your wolf friends aren't listening to you, etc) This is a great outdoor activity - helps delineate calm play vs chaos play You can take this inspiration into other facets of life after the chaos subsides. Examples include: draw yourself as a moon princess, have a discussion about big feelings, think about how everyone in the world shares one moon. Explain how life ebbs and flows - Sometimes we feel chaotic, sometimes we feel calm. Sometimes we feel happy, sometimes we feel sad. Sometimes we're doing well, sometimes we struggle. It happens to the moon, why shouldn't it happen to us! (this helps kids feel more prepared and less thrown by difficult times) Love the ebb, love the flow. #creativeplay #creativity #imagination #kids #creativekids_ig See more

We're all used to it by now - there's nothing to do all day without school/structure/anything open. It makes SENSE for kids to complain. To be honest, I have been complaining a lot this year. You know what helps? Chatting with friends who who listen and validate me and share their own woes. You know what doesn't help? When someone gets mad at me, calls me ungrateful, and tells me to stop complaining. As a longtime caregiver, I've built really strong connections wit...h kids by listening to them and validating their complaints - and then turning them into opportunities to be creative! Here are some examples and ideas: Kid says: "I'M BORED!" You say: "I KNOW, right? There's nothing to do. I'm worried that Professor Boredom is in town." And then when the kid says "what?" or something to that effect, you can say, "oh, it's just Professor Boredom, he comes to town and sucks the fun out of everything and keeps all the fun for himself. I guess we COULD find the stash of fun, but it'll be really dangerous." And then you have a villain to beat. Kid says: "I'm COLD!" You say: "Me too. It's too bad we don't have a magic potion to make us warm." And then you make a fake or real potion (aka hot cocoa) Kid says: "I miss my friends!" You say: "I miss my friends too. I'm sad about it. I like to go on coffee dates with my friends. What do you like to do with yours?" And then take turns pretending to hang out the way you would with your friends. You can be yourself or be characters. Kid says: "I want more screen time!" You say: "When I was a kid I watched Annie almost every day. What's your favourite thing to watch?" And then you take turns acting out scenes from your favourite shows/video games/movies. Remember it's not "you vs them," it's "us vs the problem." Playing pretend is a great way to foster that teamwork in your relationship with kids. And you can complain about the complaining in the comments if you want, because WHINING IS ANNOYING and we need to commiserate together sometimes. See more

It's that weird week! So nice to relax...suuuch a recipe for boredom. I got you covered. Creative play for the win! Inside or outside, there's so much inspiration we can get from the weather. Build connection with the kids in your life by joining in the fun! It's not as hard as it seems, here are some tips: ... Be honest - if you don't like the cold, feel free to rage at the snow outside. This is often so funny. Try fighting the snow! It's therapeutic, harmless, hilarious, fun, and the kids can get in on it too. Also, you'll get warm. If you love winter, share your feelings - describe how the cold makes you feel, give the snow a personality, "Yes And" the kids - if they suggest something, build on it. This is another opportunity to be yourself - you can use your interests to add to the game. Interested in wizards, but you've been watching the Mandalorian? Pretend you're in space on a snowy planet and you need to find Baby Yoda. Not a Star Wars nerd but you love Housewives? Imitate the characters in a kid-friendly way (replace wine with hot cocoa, and have the drama be about toys or magic lol). They'll never catch on and it'll make you giggle. Into sports? Pretend you're a sportscaster and narrate the kids' actions in the snow, or couch play gym (go over the top with the voice!) There are no wrong ways to be creative - if your imagination takes you to a place where you feel foolish, that's cool. Feel ridiculous for a few minutes, the payoff is bigger than your embarrassment. The kids don't know what they're doing either! You're all literally just saying what comes to your mind. Pretend you're winter royalty and have the kids entertain and serve you. They can bring you treats (real or imaginary), put on a show, cover you with cosy blankets, etc. All you have to do is put on a haughty, regal voice, be whatever kind of ruler you want (and if you're a tyrant be prepared for a revolt and then be proud of their revolt), and mostly relax. I can't wait to hear how you enjoy the winter with your imaginations! #creativity #imagination #kids #creativeplay #holidays #winter See more

Did I just record my first ever podcast at Eagle Studios? Yes I believe I did!