RAISE A CREATIVE CHILD FOR FUTURE SUCCESS

Imagination is about more than just raising an arty child – it’s a tool for life

Futurists the world over are predicting a radically changed job market, one where flexibility, imagination and creativity are must-have, lucrative skills. So nurture and grow these abilities that children are actually hardwired with.

A GOOD MANY PARTS TO IT

“An active imagination helps your child in many ways,” says Sarah Cohen-schwarz, a registered counsellor with a special interest in art therapy for children. She says that studies have shown that children whose creativity had been actively developed over time were more resourceful. Creativity partly means being able to think on your feet, approach tasks from different perspectives and think outside the box. “It gives children a place for expression and connection – both are central in identity formation, in forming relationships and agency formation,” agrees neuroscientist Luke Lamprecht.

“Creativity builds confidence,” says Sarah. It allows children to make mistakes and learn from them. Children also learn that constructive feedback is a helpful part of learning, and not something to be taken personally. It creates empathy when other kids enter the play, and your child learns communication, social skills and the art of negotiation. Asking questions like, “How do I turn this clay into a sculpture?” or, “What do I need for Teddy’s bedtime?” develops skills in reasoning and understanding, which are also necessary tools for success in life. “Problem solving is another major natural benefit of creativity,” says Sarah.

Creativity develops skills of perseverance, dedication and focus. “Research shows that participation in the arts improves concentration,” says Luke. By expressing themselves, children practise collaboration, sharing responsibility and compromising for a joint goal.

DOWN TO BRAIN TRAINING

While imagination and creativity are skills that children are born with, it takes practice for the brain to turn it into second nature. “During the first few years of life, a child has many more neurons than they need. As a result, the brain is pruned on the basis of ‘use it or lose it’. Although there is some plasticity (the ability to mould the brain) later in childhood, what hasn’t been developed is lost,” explains Luke. So the more creative ways of thinking are developed, the more those neural pathways in the brain will light up and grow – and the easier it becomes for your child to think that way. “Children learn via experience. Creativity allows the brain to develop in unique ways,” says Luke. “In fact, creative play be important, if not crucial, for learning.”

FLIGHTS OF FANCY HAVE REAL PURPOSE

Have you ever watched your little one play make believe? The bath becomes a mermaid’s cove and the bed turns into a dragon’s lair. This kind of pretend play is a key part of her learning. “Self expression as part of pretend play is a way of working things out that happen in life,” says Sarah. It gives children a chance to learn big-world rules about sharing, social interaction and conflict resolution while having fun. “Pretend play has also been correlated with the crucial ability to self-regulate impulses, emotions and attention and the ability to reason,” says Sarah. Dreaming up imaginary situations where he rescues his friends from aliens gives your child a sense of control even in scary situations. Or while pretending to be a doctor, she’s developing social and verbal skills. Re-enacting events is a way of roleplaying that teaches her how to manage situations, practice discipline and understand cause and effect.

“Pretend play is also called symbolic or imaginative play, and usually first appears between the ages of 18 and 24 months,” says Luke. The selfexpression of make believe teaches courage and curiosity. “This phase is instrumental in your child’s physical and intellectual development.” Additionally, two thirds of toddlers between two and five years of age invent an imaginary friend. This doesn’t mean that your child is lonely or a social outcast, but rather shows his burgeoning sociability and creativity. Pretend play normally follows these steps:

AROUND EIGHT MONTHS

Your baby enjoys making “music” (noise) by banging and shaking her toys.

AROUND 18 MONTHS

You’ll notice your baby starts to act out things she’s seen you

do, like talking on the phone or “nursing” her doll. You can encourage this phase by offering toys that resemble real world objects (like a toy phone).

AROUND 24 MONTHS Your child is now able to use one object in a way that represents something completely different – like putting a block to her ear as a cellphone.

FROM TWO TO THREE YEARS The imagination is at full tilt, and as your child advances linguistically, cognitively and socially, her play starts to include fantasy, drama, and imitation. You’ll notice she starts to re-enact scenarios from stories or real life occurrences.

FROM FOUR YEARS At the most advanced form of socio-dramatic play, make believe becomes more elaborate with extended storylines and character acting. Imaginary pals can also become part of your child’s fantasy world.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

What role do you get to play in this exciting world of your child’s growing imagination? There are many ways that you can help grow this skill. It comes down to encouraging the process as it happens. “Your attitude is crucial. Our children look to us for guidance, feeling good and learning how to behave and believe in this world. Creative confidence relies on self-confidence, ” explains Sarah. “Abundant and specific praise, buying into their fantasies and extending trust in their creative abilities are all crucial.”

If your child wants to create a castle in your lounge, give her the freedom to do it how she wants (within limits) and let her know that you’re available if she needs help. Once she’s finished, compliment her on her creative use of everyday materials to make her castle (using the pillows as a tower, or a sheet on the floor as a moat). Ask her questions about her process in creating the castle. When it comes to the imagination, there needs to be no competition. Your child needs to know that when it comes to creativity, there are no limits – anything goes. “Removing the anxiety of winning, perfection or being the best frees a child to create without fear of judgment,” says Sarah.

And while you’re at it, why not try to find your own playful spirit? YB