Unlock child’s creativity with routine, support
Kids need to devote time to practice talents, get constructive feedback
Creativity comes in many different forms, and despite the idea that creativity is inherent, it is rather a characteristic that must be learned. One way to help unlock your child’s creativity is scheduling regular time for them to hone and strengthen their existing talents.
Throughout history, you can see the vast diversity of talents amongst some of the greatest artists, poets, architects, scientists and inventors.
However, the commonality in their routines was devoting time to practice their individual talents and receiving constructive feedback from people they trust.
Instilling creativity
Although research on creativity is still relatively new, some findings have been confirmed regarding factors that influence the ability to think with originality. First is that creativity expands as our knowledge increases. For example, a child who enjoys learning about dinosaurs can be more creative when working on the topic of dinosaurs than in less familiar areas.
Second is that exercise has been linked to greater reasoning in tasks that require examining several solutions to a problem.
Third, giving yourself a break from effortful thinking to create something new or solve a problem can propel the creative process. Simply stepping away from a challenge that is difficult to focus on other things allows the brain to address a problem from a different angle, which often yields an idea worthy of the wait.
Whether or not you feel particularly
creative, you can help your child develop their abilities by using the tactics mentioned. Encouraging your child’s artistic expression fosters a dynamic way of thinking, whether it’s through designing a city with blocks, pretend play, developing stories, or solving problems in everyday life.
Set aside time in your routine for your child to express themselves using a creativity kit filled with paper, paints, glue, glitter, tongue depressors, pipe cleaners, and stickers. Practice making up stories with wacky endings, where everyone in the family adds a different element or detail. Talk about the different ways you can solve a math problem. These fun and mind-building activities
will hone your child’s interest in generating clever and useful ideas.
Support your child’s attempts to build knowledge and creative thinking but remember to take a break if your child gets frustrated. Ask questions and praise them for their efforts in finding more than one solution to a challenge.
You will be surprised at how much fun your family can have while following these steps toward positive child development and amazed at how quickly your child builds talents that propel them toward success.
Stewart L. Burgess, PH.D. is a developmental psychologist and executive director of the Children’s Museum of Memphis.
These fun and mind-building activities will hone your child’s interest in generating clever and useful ideas.