The Creative Family Manifesto by Amanda Blake Soule
My ⭐️ rating: 3.5/5
The Creative Family Manifesto was a very easy read. Amanda shared her thoughts and views on living a creative family life. Personally, we already do a lot of the things she talks about in this book but I think it would be a great read for someone who is looking to deepen their relationship with their kids and create a family-centered fun home environment.
The four things she focuses on are—
1. Self- developing or continuing our own passions and interests
2. Child- the development and nurturing of their spirit
3. Family- the deepening of the family bond through creating together
4. Community- how we can connect to both our local and global communities through the act of creative living
I kind of felt like I was reading a long blog post at times. Things get slightly repetitive in spots and I don’t think it was laid out in the absolute best way but she touches on a lot of great ideas. Again, I probably would’ve enjoyed it much more if I didn’t already share a lot of these views/so many of these things already.
I did end up saving some ideas to my notes that I’d love to try and also be more mindful of. Some of those things are—
⁃ A Silly Gratitude Alphabet
⁃ Thanking our elders, my children and myself often
⁃ Having a vinyl tablecloth ready for the dining table so we can have messy play more often
⁃ Games: Don’t smile, family charades, the endless story, what’s in the bag?
⁃ Family drawing time where we all try to draw the item in the center of the table
⁃ Make a small hand sewing basket for the kids
⁃ Garden stories
⁃ Seasonal nature table
⁃ A treasure of for each child to keep their special belongings in
⁃ Mealtime gathering and blessings
⁃ Birthday blessings
⁃ DIY coloring books
⁃ Family art night with extended family
If you’re looking for ways to deepen your family connection, slow down a little and enjoy time together, this book is an easy read and has many fun ideas to try!
xxoo Kate
Candidly Katelyn 