• Athens artist and stay at home dad urges families to protect small creative moments as a path to mental health, balance, and resilience

Georgia, US, 9 Dec 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Maurice Bouchard, an artist and stay at home parent, is raising awareness about the importance of creative wellness for parents and caregivers. Drawing from his own experience balancing childcare and art, he is encouraging families to rethink how small creative habits can improve emotional health and daily stability.

“Most days start with getting my child settled,” Bouchard said. “When I get a quiet moment, I set up my watercolor paints on the kitchen table. Even ten minutes helps me feel connected to myself.”

His message comes at a time when stress levels among parents continue to rise. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 70 percent of parents report feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities, and more than half say they struggle to find time for themselves. Studies from the National Institutes of Health show that even brief creative activities can lower stress, improve mood, and increase resilience.

Bouchard believes those findings match what he has lived. “I used to finish a painting in one long session,” he explained. “Now I work in small steps. It taught me that progress does not need to be fast. It just needs to be steady.”

Growing up in Watkinsville, he learned early that imagination could spark confidence and curiosity. He spent his childhood reading manga, watching sci fi shows, and exploring new worlds through video games. “Those stories taught me about courage and exploration,” he said. “They still inspire me every day.”

His years working in memory care and hospital settings also shaped his message. “Those jobs taught me patience and presence,” Bouchard noted. “Every moment matters to someone. That mindset carries into parenting. Slowing down is part of success.”

Bouchard now uses watercolor painting, 3D printing, and miniature art to stay grounded. “Watercolor is calm and forgiving. If I make a mistake, I can blend it out or start fresh,” he said. “That is a good lesson for life too.”

His advocacy does not focus on buying products or joining programs. Instead, he wants individuals to see creativity as something accessible. His call to action is simple: protect one small creative moment a day.

“People think creativity takes hours,” Bouchard said. “It does not. You can sketch for five minutes, paint one corner of a page, or read two pages of a book. Small creative acts add up.”

He also encourages caregivers to embrace imperfect routines. “Some days you will not finish anything,” he added. “That is okay. Success is the practice of showing up, not the size of the result.”

Research supports his approach. A study from the Journal of Positive Psychology found that engaging in a creative activity for just 15 minutes can boost overall well-being. Another study from Drexel University reported that stress markers drop significantly after brief art making sessions, even for beginners.

Bouchard hopes more parents and caregivers will explore simple ways to bring creativity into their daily routine. “You do not need fancy supplies,” he said. “A pencil, a notebook, and a quiet moment can go a long way.”

What People Can Do Today

Bouchard encourages families to:

• Take five minutes for a creative break each day.

• Keep simple tools visible, such as pencils, brushes, or a small sketchbook.

• Choose hobbies that fit short windows of time.

• Allow imperfections and slow progress.

• Share creative routines with kids to build connection and reduce stress for both parent and child.

“Creativity builds connection,” Bouchard said. “It connects you to yourself, your family, and your sense of calm. Anyone can start small and feel the difference.”

About Maurice

Maurice Bouchard is an artist and stay at home parent based in Athens, Georgia. He studied at the University of Georgia, where he earned his bachelor’s degree and was recognized as a Charter Scholar. His background includes hands on roles in memory care and hospital settings, along with a lifelong passion for watercolor painting, 3D printing, miniature art, science fiction, and storytelling. Maurice’s work and daily life are shaped by creativity, faith, and a commitment to steady growth in small moments.

Media Contact

Maurice Bouchard
https://www.mauricebouchardgeorgia.com/