Why Can't My Dad Understand that I Don't Want to Show People My Drawings?

It sounds like you're experiencing a common challenge in sharing personal creative work, especially when it comes to something as intimate as a sketchbook. Many parents take pride in their children's creativity and want to support them, but navigating their expectations can be tricky, especially when your art is a personal space for you.

Understanding Why Your Dad Wants to See Your Drawings

Your dad might be eagre to see your drawings for several reasons:

Interest and Pride

Parents often feel proud of their children's creativity and want to be supportive. He might genuinely be interested in your work and wants to encourage you. However, this approach can sometimes make your personal space feel less secure.

Misunderstanding Boundaries

Your dad might not fully grasp that your art is a private space for you. Many people view art as something meant to be shared, while others see it as a private form of expression. This can create a communication gap between you and your dad.

Communication Gap

It's possible that he's not aware of how important privacy is to you. He may think that wanting to show your art is a natural part of the creative process. Explaining your feelings to him can help close this gap and make him understand your perspective.

How to Communicate Your Feelings

Having an open conversation about your feelings can help your dad understand why your sketchbook feels private. You could express your desire for privacy and how sharing it might make you uncomfortable. Emphasizing that your art is a personal journey can help him appreciate your need for space.

Explain to him why your sketchbook is private and how you feel when he wants to see your drawings. Make sure to reassure him that you will share your work when you feel ready. This can help build mutual trust and respect.

Strategies for Managing Expectations

Here are a few strategies you can try:

Having Two Separate Sketchbooks

When I was a kid, I dealt with this by having two separate sketchbooks: one full of drawings I was comfortable showing to others and another that was private. This way, you can keep your personal space sacred while still sharing your work with your dad when you feel ready.

Art as a Private Diary

A sketchbook can be a very personal diary to many artists, not just a place for public viewing. Perhaps you could express this to your dad. Creating some art that can be shared together might also help bridge the gap between your worlds.

Ultimately, the key is to communicate openly and honestly with your dad. By doing so, you can find a balance between sharing your creativity and respecting your need for privacy.