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Part one of a two-part conversation with theatre artist, community magic maker and parent of two young adults, Kris Alvarez. In part one, host Nikko Snyder talks to Kris about fighting for the space to play - and not the pretend or performed play that a lot of adults do with kids, but the real serious play that has zero agenda apart from simple shits and giggles. They also talk about the fundamental importance of kindness, the gift of mentorship, and paying that forward. And they talk about navigating the serious mental illness of a child, processing that journey by making art, and how the experience can blow your capacity for unconditional love wide open.

And that's just part one! Don't miss the next episode where Kris talks about creating theatre with non-performers (including her own parents), being the child of immigrants, the integration of art into all aspects of life, and the importance of great snacks.

Parenting Creative explores the places where creative life and parenting collide, and all the magic and mess that ensues. Through deep, honest conversations with diverse artist-parents who are walking the walk, we explore both the struggles and the real, practical ways to make creativity and parenthood work—on your own terms, in ways that sustain and inspire you for the long haul. And we do it in community—because neither parenting nor creative life can thrive in isolation.

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Takeaways

• Kris emphasizes the importance of being human in front of others to allow them to embrace their humanity too.
• Play is a vital part of Kris's artistic and parenting practice.
• Kris fights for the space to really play, which she believes is often overlooked by adults.
• Creating safe spaces for storytelling is central to Kris's art practice.
• Kris's parenting journey has evolved as her children have grown into young adults.
• Mental health challenges have deepened Kris's capacity to love unconditionally.
• Kris's art reflects her personal experiences and the complexities of her identity.
• The importance of kindness in teaching and creating art is paramount for Kris.
• Kris believes in the power of vulnerability and modeling it for her children.
• Kris's project 'I do my best crying in the car' explores the emotional landscape of parenting and mental health.

Keywords

parenting, creativity, mental health, art, community, kindness, play, immigrant experience, unconditional love, storytelling