DS6 has always been a perfectionist when it comes to art. He rarely colors or draws because it doesn't come out the way he envisions it, and this has been ongoing since he was a baby. Of course, since he has very little interest, he rarely practices and his work is very basic.
This week, he is taking an art class with his co-op from a local artist. It is a boys-only class, and they're drawing Star Wars and How to Train Your Dragon characters. Yesterday was a blast, and for the first time ever, he was very excited about art.
Today, his excitement plummeted. He came home very disappointed because the boys were all complimenting each other's pictures, and "nobody said anything nice" about his. 8 of the other boys are older, and 1 is a few months younger. What really upset him was that the little one's picture "really was better" than his, too.
We've had the usual discussions about 1) everyone has different talents, and there are numerous things he can do better than the others (he's the only GT in the group); 2) other children love to draw and practice every day, whereas he is new to this; 3) as long as he is happy with his art, that's all that matters..... you name it.
Then, what really struck me is that he didn't want to tell his dad about this. When I prompted him to do so, he blew it off and claimed he was just joking. (They have a very close relationship, and DH is amazing at saying the right thing, so I'm wondering if this is a new "manly" thing not to tell Dad.)
Anyhow, I feel so bad about his supersensitivities, but I also recognize that we have to help him get over this. Any suggestions?? Thank you!
