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PrintParent to Parent: Creative kids
His love of music started early on, when he would watch his dad play.
Matthew Schwartz, plays guitar
"Every holiday event, random nights, he would just come out and sing songs."
Matthew practiced all the time, even when his parents couldn't take the noise. Now he writes his own music and lyrics and even started his own band!
Ken Schwartz, Matthew's dad
"He found something that he liked, he stayed with it, and I'm very, very proud about that."
Parenting Expert Dr. Valerie Goode says parents should encourage a child's creativity, even if it's not always perfect.
Dr. Valerie Goode
"It doesn't have to be perfect in your eyes, as long as it's perfect in that child's eyes. You should do everything you can to make sure it's recognized and acknowledged in your home."
Dr. Goode says parents need to be supportive and embrace their child's creative spirit. For example, if they draw a picture, display it proudly in your home and don't make judgments.
Dr. Valerie Goode
"You want to build confidence in your child's ability to be creative."
Encourage children to try new and different ways of doing things and emphasize the importance of the process rather than the outcome.
Dr. Valerie Goode
"It's not always about teaching your child, it's about letting your child discover the adventure within any art."
Matthew's adventure is just beginning. After high school, he would like to attend the Berklee College of Music here in Boston, a goal he would never have aspired to if it was not for the support of his parents.
Matthew Schwart, plays guitar
"If I didn't have any support from my parents, and they just told me, 'Shut up, turn it off, do it somewhere else,' I wouldn't have done it."