How to Nurture Creativity in Children
Tips for Parents to Encourage Open Thinking in Kids
Feb 9, 2008
Creativity in children is important because it encourages free expression, problem solving skills and open thinking. Just like other areas of children’s development, creativity needs to be nurtured to thrive. There are a number of things that parents can do to encourage creativity in children.
Allow Plenty of Time for Imaginative Play in Children
The PBS Whole Child article titled "Creativity and Play: Fostering Creativity" says, "Many parents misunderstand and underestimate the value of play in the lives of children, forgetting that play fosters physical, mental, and social development." The article also says that "Play should be the result of children’s ideas and not directed by the adult."
Provide Art Materials for Children
Children love the creative freedom of open-ended art projects. When they engage in self-directed art activities it encourages them to explore and express themselves without rules. Parents can encourage free expression in kids by providing them with materials that can be used in various ways including:
- paper
- crayons
- markers
- pencils
- scissors
- glitter
- paint
- paint brushes
- play dough
- collage materials (scrap paper, yarn, lace, ribbon, buttons, etc.)
- modeling clay
- old magazines
When children finish their creative art projects, resist the urge to criticize or correct anything that they’ve done.
Provide Movement and Music Activities for Children
The article titled, "Creative Movement for Children" by Kids on the Move says, "Creative movement is a joyful way for children to explore movement through music, develop physical skills, channel energy, stimulate imagination, and promote creativity." The article also says that, "Creative Movement provides children with opportunities for noncompetitive, success-oriented, and creative experiences."
To enhance children’s creative music and movement activities, you can incorporate things like scarves, streamers or ribbons.
Limit Children’s Selection of Electronic Toys
Electronic toys provide children with hours of fun but restricts them in the area of free thinking. Instead, opt for toys that won’t limit the way children are allowed to play, such as blocks, empty boxes and empty containers.
Limit Children’s Television Viewing
Too much television inhibits children’s range of thinking by limiting ideas, and providing children with a distorted view of others by conveying racial, religious, cultural and gender-based stereotypes.
Provide a Variety of Children’s Book Selections
Books can help children expand their minds by allowing them to visit situations and places without leaving their seats. Reading to children sends their imaginations into overdrive and encourages them to think openly.
When parents take the time to encourage creativity in kids, they are helping them develop valuable skills that will last a lifetime.
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