Been done

Child: “Look! I drew a rainbow!”

Parent: “Oh, sweetie. We don’t need it. See? That’s been done before. Besides, just Google it. I’m sure you’ll find just what you want — and even better than you could do it.”

* * *

No one actually says this (hopefully not, anyway).

However, as children grow, the message, “Don’t bother; it’s been done,” certainly begins to creep in.

But remember: sometimes the output isn’t nearly as valuable as having participated in the process of its creation.