The Artist's Way for Parents

I finally found a copy of Julia Cameron and Emma Lively's The Artist's Way for Parents: Raising Creative Children. In the Introduction, Julia admits she was reluctant to write this book. Just follow the tools in TAW and you will intuitively, organically, become a good parent--was her belief. I'm glad she acquiesced to the many urgings of people to write this book, and also since her daughter Domenica has become a mom, she felt prompted to finally write the book.

I want to go through this book soon and see how it helps me become a better parent. I find myself to be quite a spoiler. Though I love being a parent. God speaks to me through my daughter. When we play tickle and kiss each other's cheeks, God says He kisses my cheeks, too, even in the morning before I even brushed my teeth. God says He is my Parent.

Recently I find myself losing my patience at Dana because she always wanted to be accompanied. She can't be left alone. She fears all sorts of fictional creatures: werewolves, ghosts, etc.

DANA (looking up at the moon): Daddy, are werewolves real?

ME: Sure they are.

DANA: How come we're not turning into one?

ME: You have to survive a bite to become one.

DANA: How come they're not biting us?

ME: God is keeping them away from us.

VECK: Kaya di yan maiwan, kung anu-ano sinasabi mo.

ME: Well, if faeries are real, why not werewolves? They all belong to the same mythology.

Dana's love language turns out to be gifts. So if there's a toy she wants but we don't give her, she says, "You don't love me." I developed a Star System where, if she wants a toy (right now it's a mermaid Pinypon), she must earn enough Blue Stars (blue is her favorite color) to purchase them. Pinypon is worth thirty-five stars. She has now earned two blue stars by being obedient.

One time God told me, "How come Dana always wants you to be with her everywhere, while you want to be independent, never asking Me to tag along?"

Dana daily tells me, "I love you, Daddy. You're my best friend." And God whispers, "When will I ever hear you tell Me that, anak?" And I give God a bemused smile.