Adi don't start your day by playing video games, work on your project", I told him but I don't want to be that assertive mother.

I want Adi to be happy and do what he loves, but I also want him to be conscious of how he chooses to spend his time. I don't want him to get lost in a world of consumption, where he's passively consuming entertainment instead of creating something meaningful.

It's a delicate balance, but I think it's important to encourage our kids to be creators, not just consumers. In a world where they're bombarded with constant advertising and marketing, it's easy for them to get caught up in a cycle of buying things they don't need.

Adi always mentions that he enjoys to code and making games.

"I like making things too", I tell him. "It's important to use our creativity to make things that we're proud of."

I share how I spend time writing articles and creating designs for my work. I tell him about how gratifying it is to see people interact with something I created.

"It's important to use our creativity to make things that we're proud of."

That helps him understand that his time playing video games isn't wasted if he's using that time to be creative and make something new.

It's not easy being a parent, especially when you're trying to raise a creator. You want them to follow their dreams, but you also want to make sure they're doing something that will lead to success.

Adi and always have these pep talks whenever he's feeling down about his productivity or when I'm feeling anxious about his future.

We discuss how spending the early part of the day on creative work can set the tone for the rest of the day. We talk about how it's important to find a balance between work and play.

What's the problem with mindless consumption-

It is addictive-

Consumption can be addictive. When we are constantly bombarded with advertising and marketing, it is easy to get caught up in a cycle of buying things we do not need. This can lead to debt, as well as feelings of dissatisfaction and emptiness.

It promotes a culture of comparison-

When we are constantly exposed to images of people with perfect lives, it is easy to compare ourselves to them and feel like we are not good enough. This can lead to feelings of insecurity and anxiety.

It takes away from time that could be spent on more productive or meaningful activities-

If we are spending all of our time consuming, we are not spending time creating or doing something truly worthwhile. This makes one passive instead of active and can lead to a sense of pointlessness.

How can you help kids find the creator in them?

1. Encourage them to set aside time for creative work each day- The time boxing method by Nir Eyal works when it comes to creative work. Help your kids set a specific amount of time each day for creative work, whether it's coding, drawing, or writing. This will help them develop a habit of being creative every day.

2. Help them find their passion- If you're not sure what your kid is passionate about, ask them what they enjoy doing in their free time. What are the things they're always talking about? What are the things they're good at? Help them find their passion and then encourage them to pursue it. Notice what they are good at and what they love to do. Some kids just love to tell stories, they can write or record them. They can engage younger kids in these stories too.

3. Kids need pep talks too- Just like adults, kids need pep talks from time to time. When they're feeling down about their work or when they're struggling with something, have a discussion with them about it. Help them see the situation from a different perspective and encourage them to keep going.

4. Encourage them to share their work- Kids need to share their work with others, whether it's through a blog, social media, or just showing family and friends. This will help them get feedback and improve their work. But at the same time, we need to protect them from the negativity that can come from putting their work out there.

5. Help them find a mentor- A mentor can be a great source of inspiration and advice for kids. If you know someone in your child's field of interest, reach out and see if they're willing to chat with your kid or even meet up in person. Even I try to study and find resources on topics that interest Adi, so I can better understand his world and offer more insightful feedback.

6. Help them understand that it's okay to consume entertainment, but they should be creating something too. It's a balance!- If children are forced to create without any fun or downtime they will resent the process. I see that Adi needs inspiration

7. It won't be rosy always- There will be days when the ideas don't flow and the work doesn't seem worth it. These are the times when kids need our encouragement the most. Help them understand that it's okay to have off days and that they should just keep going. Some children want to be like YouTubers or bloggers, but they need to see the hard work that goes into it. Part of the process might not be fun as it seems when you're just watching from the sidelines.

8. Share your journey with them- As a parent, it's essential to share your journey with your children. They need to see that you're not perfect and that you've made mistakes too. But most importantly, they need to know that you've persevered and overcome challenges. This will inspire them to do the same.

9. Creativity is meditative- Encourage your kids to see creativity as a form of meditation. It's a time to clear their minds and focus on the task at hand. This will help them relax and feel more positive about their work. Like the flow theory by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, when we're in a state of flow, time seems to stand still and we're completely focused on the task at hand. This is a great state to be in when we're creative. I have seen Adi in this zone too when he's deep into his artwork.

10. The joy of having a product at the end of the creative process- One of the best things about being creative is seeing the final product. It's gratifying to see something that we've created with our own hands. This is what keeps us going and drives us to be better. Help your kids understand this feeling and encourage them to keep creating.

11. Imagine you have a purpose at a young age- Help kids see that their creativity can be used for a higher purpose. It doesn't have to be something grand, but it should be something that they're passionate about. For example, Adi wants to use his talents to make coding tutorials for kids. This gives him a sense of purpose and motivates him to keep going.

12. Encourages growth and learning mindset- When we're creative, we're constantly learning and growing. We're trying new things and pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones. This helps us develop a growth mindset- the belief that we can improve with effort. Help your kids understand this and encourage them to keep growing as creators.

It's easy to get caught up in the consumer mindset. We live in a culture that is obsessed with consumption, whether it's consuming products, media, or even experiences. And while there's nothing wrong with enjoying the occasional purchase or treat, it's important to balance consumption with creativity.

Too much consumption can lead to a sense of entitlement or feeling like we deserve things without having to work for them. It can also lead to feelings of jealousy and comparison, as we compare our lives to others who seem to have more than us. On the other hand, creativity can lead to a sense of satisfaction and pride, as we create something that is uniquely ours. It can also help us to connect with others, as we share our creations with the world.

No matter what, raising a creator in a consumer world is no easy task. It requires patience, understanding, and a lot of love. But it's so worth it when you see your kid doing something they're passionate about.