Fostering Connection Through Creativity: A Lesson from My Childhood
Divorce can be an earth-shattering experience for children, reshaping their world in ways they may not yet understand. As a child of divorced parents, I know firsthand the emotional rollercoaster that comes with navigating two households, shifting family dynamics, and finding a new sense of stability.
My mother, the custodial parent of my siblings and me, understood that while she couldn’t change the circumstances, she could create intentional moments of connection that kept us feeling secure and loved. One of her most memorable ways of doing this was “Culture Night” every Wednesday evening.
The Power of Creativity in Difficult TimesCulture Night wasn’t just about trying new foods or watching documentaries—it was about building togetherness through creativity. Some nights, we explored different cuisines by cooking meals from around the world. Other nights, we read books, told stories, or listened (and sang to) to piano music that she played for us. It wasn’t extravagant, but it was meaningful.
Looking back, I realize that this routine provided stability, learning, and an emotional outlet for us. It gave us something to look forward to, encouraged open conversations, and created memories that kept us close even as life changed.
Bringing Creativity into Your Own ParentingIf you’re navigating life after divorce, know this: small, consistent creative moments matter more than big, occasional gestures. Here are a few ways to bring creativity into your parenting:
Storytelling as an Emotional Outlet – Let your child create their own stories or illustrate their feelings through drawing.
Family Journaling – Keep a shared journal where your child can express thoughts and emotions, and you can respond with encouragement.
Role-Playing for Connection – Engage in pretend play to help younger children express emotions they might not yet have words for.
Music & Movement – Whether it’s a “dance it out” moment or calming bedtime music, let sound and movement help regulate emotions.
Cooking & Cultural Exploration – Try new recipes together, giving your child a sense of adventure and a reason to engage with family time.
I know firsthand that raising children after a divorce comes with its challenges—but also with opportunities to create meaningful connections through creativity. That’s why I’m hosting a LIVE Q&A for Moms on Saturday, April 19th at 10:00 AM (CST) on YouTube!
We’ll talk about:
How to create stability for kids during transitions Creative ways to foster closeness in single-parent homes Answering your biggest questions about co-parenting & emotional support
Mark your calendar & bring your questions! Let’s have a heart-to-heart conversation about making this parenting journey a little lighter, together.
Will you join me? Drop a 
in the comments if you’ll be there!
Click Here to become a part of my parenting community.
C. Lynn Williams, #MsParentguruParent Coach, Author & Speaker
