7 Different Ways To Encourage Creativity In Children
Creativity is the use of ideas and imagination to come up with something that is of value, whether it is a piece of art, physical invention, or even a solution to a certain problem. Creativity has always played a huge role in our success and it is something that can be nurtured throughout one’s life. One can enjoy unlimited creativity if you understand how to recognize it in yourself, and how to keep the creative juices flowing!. When it comes to children, you need to make an extra effort to ensure that they do not lose the creative spark as they grow up. In many cases, school can dampen creativity depending on the types of art programs available, and the teaching methods employed. Parents need to be extra vigilant if they want to give their children the gift of everlasting creativity.
The best form of self-expression is creativity and there is nothing more fulfilling for children than being able to express themselves without judgment. Not everyone is born with creativity, but even if you aren’t born with it, you can learn it to some degree. Nothing should hamper the development of creativity in children and as parents, it is your job to cheer them on, and encourage them. Let’s take a look at how you can do so.
1. There is no such thing as a bad idea
Kids are always full of ideas and it is a direct manifestation of their creativity. Never dismiss or ridicule an idea. Children may even come up with silly ideas but many times their thoughts have merit. Look at the good points and help them understand which elements of the idea could realistically be implemented. Never include negativity in your response, which will likely lead to fear of making mistakes and less creative thinking. Try to create an environment where kids feel free to be creative and to make a mess. Tell them that it is about the process not the result!
2. Do not label kids as creative and uncreative
Kids tend to take names and labels very seriously. As parents, help them explore different activities and subjects without any judgment and with encouragement, so that they can find an area in which their personal creativity soars!
3. Be creative with them
There is an image in our minds that creative people are artists, but this is completely not true. Creative thinking leads to success and fulfillment for people doing just about anything, and especially those who are teachers, managers, lawyers, doctors, healthcare workers and on and on. Creativity is quite simply a very very important aspect of life! If you want to encourage your children to get creative, you need to support their creative growth and their lives will benefit greatly, regardless of what they decide to do as adults.
4. Reduce screen time
To bring out the creativity in children, you need to reduce their consumption of television and movies. When watching a TV show, they are only taking in information that does not lead to growth or progress, rather the opposite as the information does not require brain power. Spending long hours doing this will get in the way of being creative or doing something creative. You should encourage children to read, draw, or paint. and allow screen time only when absolutely necessary.
5. Try to keep it simple
The best way to get into action is to go back to basics. You do not need any fancy resources or expensive tools to get creative. You can work with less and still be very creative. Let your kids feel free when it comes to exploring their creativity. Simple tools like Lego, Meccano, and Duplo offer a lot of build and design activities that help build creativity. Recycling crafts are fantastic, and even giving kids a big roll of tape, some scissors and a bunch of cardboard and tp rolls, for example, can be a fantastic way to boost creativity.
6. Use tech for an added boost
Technology can play a huge role in building the creative streak of the child, with parental supervision. There are many zoom and online classes that your child could greatly benefit from as well as endless resources parents can access for the children. To keep teens interested in creativity if may be helpful to get them interested in things like screen printing (think t-shirts!) or they can even learn new printing techniques such as sublimation tutorials available online. If a child is particularly interested in 3D creations, consider a 3D pen or delving into the world of industrial design.
7. Reward them with more supplies!
If you want the kids to remain motivated long term, you need to continue to keep them encouraged. This may mean some monetary investment, but rewarding with new supplies is a great way to encourage productivity. Ask them about how they came up with an idea and what they want to do next. Lay emphasis on the process of planning and implementation. Building creativity ultimately leads to the organic process of creative thinking, and is greatly life enhancing. This is something every parent certainly wishes for their child, right?
Okay, lets all go nourish creativity in our children!
