Appreciating Art with Kids

Someday they'll be appreciative of their mother introducing them to Degas at the special exhibit. And said mother will remember the happy times with friends and discussions with the other kids comparing the painting and admiring the colors and the different techniques. Or, hopefully, the kind remarks of other patrons giving thumbs up to her and smiling- that this self-labeled crazy mother brought her herd out and "introduced them young". That day she will have gotten over the stress inducing, hands and germs-off craziness. Or the way too attentive docents who wouldn't let her tired kids lean against a blank wall or lean over a plaque to read or act interested in kid ways. And to remember that the only way to make museums more kid friendly is to insist on taking her kids and showing museum staff that these should be places kids are welcome and encouraged to go. Until then, this over stimulated mother who needs some quiet, will need some time to recover. Think happy thoughts... we do love this art adventure. We just have to remind ourselves it is worth it.