5 Tips to Promote Creativity in Children
We usually think that children know how to use their imagination and that their creativity seems to have no limits. However, creativity is something they need to acquire and nurture, because it isn’t an innate feature they’re born with. This is why, in this article, we’ll give you some tips to promote creativity in children.
When children come to this world, they’re like blank canvases waiting to be painted; they’re naturally creative and have endless imaginations. But it’s also true that it’s important to continuously work on these features. Otherwise, they may disappear without you even noticing it.
The environment in which children grow up is very important for the development of their creativity and imagination. It can be quite frustrating for them when teachers don’t let them draw the way they want, when parents ask them to be quiet if they have a story to tell, or even when they want to play by their own rules.
Therefore, parents should learn how to promote the development of these wonderful skills throughout their children’s whole lives. This is why, we’re going to show you some tips to nurture creativity in your children.
How to promote creativity in children
It’s very important for parents to help their children understand creativity as a natural gift that needs to be nurtured. In the end, parents will be the ones in charge of promoting creativity in their children, as well as helping them maintain it throughout their lives.
As you probably know, many schools tend to block students’ creativity by making them follow many rules, and not letting them think creatively. This shouldn’t intimidate you. In fact, it should be one more reason to promote free thinking in your children.
1. Let them make mistakes
Making mistakes doesn’t have to be something negative. In fact, it’s necessary to learn how to face new problems. Actually, creativity is a key element when it comes to solving problems in life.
Let them make mistakes and help them learn from them. As a result, they’ll develop common sense and critical thinking. Of course, you shouldn’t let them get into trouble or get involved in dangerous situations.
2. Let them be curious, in order to promote creativity
Children are curious by nature, and this is an essential characteristic for their development. Therefore, it’ll be one of your tasks to help them enhance this feature. Almost everything is new for children, so they get curious and enjoy everything they do.
Let them ask questions, and try to see things through their eyes. You’ll be surprised by the beauty of new things.
3. Let them express themselves
Let your children express themselves by drawing, writing, singing, dancing, etc. By doing this, they’ll be able to express their emotions and concerns. Remember to let them express themselves freely. Don’t try to direct them.
Let them pick the colors they’ll use when drawing, and don’t tell them that their drawings lack anything to make them prettier. Everything they do when they try to express themselves should be okay. Hence, your job will be to witness how they express themselves in a healthy way, and give them the time they need.
4. Give them new materials to enhance their creativity
Offer your children new materials to work with. For this reason, it’s very useful to have play dough, watercolors, crayons, etc. at home. Another good idea is to have blank pieces of canvas or cardboard to let them create new things whenever they feel inspired.
Remember that they can do more than draw. You can have at home scissors, cardboard, glue, clay, etc.
5. Reading is their best resource
To promote creativity in children and nourish their minds, don’t forget about books. When they’re small, you’re the one in charge of reading. However, when they grow up, it’s time for them to start reading.
If they don’t like to read, continue reading to them, until they feel like reading by themselves. The important thing here is to promote creativity by reading new materials.
Remember that spending too much time in front of screens can block creativity and imagination. Therefore, you should limit their screen time and monitor the content they consume.
As we’ve seen before, it’s very important to help your children nurture their creativity. So, don’t label them, nor judge their creations. Learn with them and embrace their imagination as well as their company.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Gallardo, C. (2015) El camino del artista para padres: Ayuda a tus hijos a descubrir su creatividad con el método que usan los grandes creadores. Editorial: Aguilar
