Greetings parents and kids! Officer Friendly here with some helpful ideas on channeling young talent so kids use their gifts productively and avoid possible criminal activity.
Not every child has an easy time in school or at home. Fortunately, the arts provide an outlet for many young people to express difficult emotions. Here are a few tips for you to keep in mind when considering art and crime prevention:
● Is your child (or his friend) artistic? Sometimes kids who enjoy drawing or painting just need a positive place to display their art and express themselves. This keeps them busy doing what they enjoy, and allows them the satisfaction of completing projects that others can also enjoy. Post their works of art on the refrigerator or other locations in the home. They might even enter a contest.
● Maybe it’s not drawing and painting, but music or theatre. Children are rewarded with great satisfaction in learning to play an instrument. Recording and writing songs can naturally follow and provides its own benefits and returns. Others will enjoy being a part of youth theatre or drama class. All of these activities will provide kids with a positive place to go, and encourage them to use their time in healthy ways.
● Don’t forget about sewing, quilting, crocheting, cooking, dancing, poetry, photography, etc. There are many forms of art that can help kids find the joy and value of their individualism.
Art can be a great way to deter crime in our youth! Art allows them to express themselves, their way, in a positive manner. It also gives them something to do, and someplace to go. Art can be a great way to relieve stress as well as allow kids to meet friends with similar interests. I hope these ideas spark some crime preventing creativity!
Stay Safe! – Officer Friendly!
The Officer Friendly column is provided to Coachella Valley Kids by the Riverside Sheriff. This issue’s “Officer Friendly” is Stacey Austibn, Community Service Officer, Palm Desert Crime Prevention
