05 Mar When Your Child Doesn’t Fit the Mould (And That’s the Magic)
Martha Wegner enrolled her son in circus school, but she didn’t expect him to become the class clown.
When a child doesn’t thrive in competitive sport or traditional academics, it can leave parents worried. But creative outlets — from circus classes to drawing and performance — can unlock confidence, resilience and a powerful sense of self.
Not Every Child Wants to Play by the Rules
Last week my eight-year-old son walked in the door and announced, “Mum, I am going to be a clown.” Not just clown-for-a-day, not a sometimes dress-up-for-parties clown, and, if his mother has anything to say about it, not class clown. No, he wants to be that clown who rides out on his unicycle, arms waving, big feet pumping, red nose shining. I admit it might take a little time for me to get used to the idea.
We are fortunate enough to have a school nearby where children can take classes in mime, juggling, acrobatics, trapeze and an assortment of other circus-related classes. After taking the introductory course, my son decided he had found his true calling: clowning.
David has always been someone who doesn’t follow the rules. For starters, he doesn’t understand that all boys are supposed to love competitive sports. So it was no surprise when one day he simply walked off the field in the middle of a football game and declared, “This is no fun,” thus ending his short sporting career.
When Creativity Becomes Confidence
Then there is school, which has always been somewhat of a challenge for him. Filling in the correct blanks and reading the same textbook as the rest of his class makes him restless and feel like a failure. It seems the only bright part of his school day is art class when he finally has the opportunity to get down on paper all those images that are stored in his head.
Yes, my son is an artist. And thank goodness for that. Because in this world of competitive sports and strict academic standards that tell us we should all be above average, my son has his drawing pad. And after school, he can hop on a unicycle and entertain us with his latest clown schtick.
Drawing and performing have given my son the confidence and avenue for self-expression that more traditional sports and academic activities fail to provide.
Just a word of caution: I signed my child up for a circus class and now I have a clown – not exactly what I had planned for his future. But no matter. I know that by the time he performs for an audience, he will have acquired a good dose of self-confidence and experienced the pure joy of self-expression because, after all, “all the world loves a clown”
Raising a Creative Child (Even If It Wasn’t the Plan)
Creative interests don’t just produce artists or performers — they build confidence, resilience and a sense of identity. Here are simple ways to nurture creativity at home:
🎵 Make everyday life musical
Sing in the car, play different genres at home, learn songs together and let your child make noise without worrying about perfection.
🖍 Create a ‘yes space’ for art
Keep drawing, painting or sculpting materials within easy reach. Old cardboard boxes, scrap paper and washable paints work beautifully.
📷 Let them be the storyteller
Encourage kids to make short videos, take photos or create comic strips. Hand them the camera (even a disposable one) and see what captures their imagination.
📚 Build stories together
Write silly poems, create bedtime adventures or act out favourite books. Creativity thrives when it’s shared.
🎭 Seek out local arts experiences
Community theatre, children’s festivals, holiday workshops and local performances often provide low-cost opportunities to explore new interests.
📖 Use your local library
Libraries and bookshops regularly host free storytelling sessions, craft activities and school holiday events — a gentle way to test new passions.
