Motherhood as a Creative Practice: How to Turn Everyday Moments Into Art
It’s 10 AM, the house looks like a small tornado just passed through, your coffee is in the microwave for the third time, and you honestly can’t remember the last time you took a sip of water, let alone did something that truly nourished you.
The days blur together, and it can feel like you’re just moving through them on autopilot. You catch yourself wondering if the part of you that once felt creative, inspired, and alive disappeared somewhere between diaper changes and snack prep.
I want you to know this: motherhood can be a creative practice in itself, no matter how much it might feel like that spark faded with your pre-mom self.
Hi, I’m Leanne—a mom of two, art therapist, and postpartum therapist in Denver, Colorado—and I help moms reconnect to themselves through mindful creativity. Motherhood changes our perspective on so many things, and creativity is no exception. Let’s explore how you can begin to see the art already woven into your everyday life.
The Myth About Creativity in Motherhood for Moms
There’s a common myth about creativity: that it requires big, uninterrupted chunks of time to make a real difference. We tell ourselves we need the perfect space, the perfect idea, or fancy supplies before we can make anything worth calling “art.”
I used to believe this, too—both before I had kids and even more so after becoming a mom. But what I’ve learned is that creativity can happen in micro-moments. Once I let go of the pressure to wait for the “perfect” circumstances, I finally began creating again; it felt so freeing to give myself permission to let it back in.
Why Moms Feel Creatively Blocked in Postpartum Life
Motherhood is one of the biggest transitions we’ll ever experience in life. Along with the joy and love, it brings overwhelm, identity shifts, and a loss of the autonomy we once had. It’s no wonder so many moms feel creatively blocked, especially in those early years when so much of our energy is devoted to caring for everyone else.
Here’s the reframe: motherhood itself is an inherently creative act. Even if you’re not sitting down with a paintbrush or writing in a journal every day, you’re creating all the time—creating and birthing a human being, shaping their childhood, and shaping your own motherhood with every choice you make.
So instead of focusing on the art you’re not making right now, what if you asked yourself: What is the motherhood I am creating?
The Art of Seeing Everyday Motherhood as a Creative Opportunity
The moments that feel ordinary—each nursing session, answering endless “why” questions, walking hand-in-hand to the park, stopping to notice all the flowers—are quietly shaping how your children see the world and connect with others. Every time you help them navigate a tricky emotion, make up a silly game, invite them to explore a new texture or sound, you’re opening the door to creativity for both of you.
Examples of Turning Ordinary Mom Moments Into Art
Inviting your children into the kitchen to help make muffins, adding ingredients and mixing them together.
Turning a rainy afternoon into a puddle walk photo adventure.
Creating a bedtime routine where they act like a different animal each night on the way to brush teeth.
When you start to notice these moments, you’ll see how much creativity is already woven into your days. This shift invites more presence, joy, and a deeper connection with your child, and with yourself.
Simple Creative Practices for Busy Moms
If you’re looking for ways to incorporate creativity into your life, beyond simply recognizing the creativity that’s already there, here are a few easy practices to get you started:
Morning Color Hunt – Pick a color and notice it throughout your morning.
One-Sentence Diary – Keep a journal by your bed and write down one sensory detail you remember each day.
Scribble Drawing – Close your eyes, make a scribble, then fill in the spaces with color.
Travel Art Kit – Gather a small pouch of art supplies and take it with you, capturing interesting colors, lines, shapes, or textures.
Daily Still Life – Arrange whatever’s on your counter into a “scene” and photograph it.
The Mental Health Benefits of Creativity for Moms
Creativity isn’t just something nice to do when you have extra time (which, let’s be honest, rarely exists in motherhood). It’s actually a powerful support for your mental health. Research shows that even small creative practices can help lower stress, ease anxiety, and lift symptoms of depression.
And beyond the science, you can probably feel it yourself. When you’re making something, playing, or expressing yourself, you’re more present, less caught in the swirl of thoughts, and more connected to who you are.
How Creativity Supports Moms in Postpartum Recovery
For moms in the postpartum season, creativity can be especially healing. Those tiny creative rituals, like the ones mentioned above, can help rebuild your sense of identity after the huge transition of becoming a parent. They remind you that you’re still you, not just “mom.”
As a postpartum therapist in Denver, I’ve seen how creativity becomes a bridge back to self-trust. When moms give themselves permission to make something without pressure, it often brings a sense of calm and regulation. Over time, these little moments of creativity weave together into something bigger: a stronger sense of self, a more grounded presence, and a gentler relationship with their own inner world.
Overcoming Resistance to Creativity as a Mom
Maybe you’re thinking, “I don’t have time,” “I’m not artistic,” or “this just feels like one more thing to do.” I hear this all the time from moms. Here’s a little reminder for you: people have been making art since the beginning of time for expression and connection. Creativity isn’t about producing something beautiful; it’s simply about noticing and coming back home to yourself.
It doesn’t take a big block of time or special supplies. Creativity can happen in the little moments—scribbling with crayons next to your child, humming while you cook, or jotting down one sentence about your day. Small, messy, and unfinished still counts.
An Invitation From a Postpartum Therapist in Denver
I invite you to try one tiny creative practice today. And remember, you’re already creating every day in the way you love, care, and show up for your family.
If you’re longing to reconnect with your creativity, identity, and joy in motherhood, I’d love to support you. As a postpartum therapist in Denver, I offer holistic art therapy to help you feel like yourself again.
You can explore my services or start with my free Therapeutic Art Guidebook for more ideas to nurture your creative spirit. Download your guidebook below, and get starting finding your way back to yourself, Mama.
