If you want your kids to be creative then you need to teach them how. You need to make sure that you are actively supporting them and that you are providing them with a nurturing environment. If you can do this then you will soon find that it is easier for you to let their creativity grow and flourish. There is a huge misconception that encouraging your kids to be creative should not be done and that they will find their way. This is not the case at all, and if you can give them a good foundation now, you’ll soon find that this benefits them in more ways than one, later down the line.
Show Examples
One of the first things that you need to do is show them examples so you can spark their ideas. A blank page or a blank screen can be a little intimidating. A collection of examples can help them to have a starting point though. Show them what is possible and teach them how to connect their ideas. Of course, there is a risk that your kids will simply mimic what you’ve done. With that in mind, it’s a good starting point. Suggest that they add their injection of personality and that they are being given the chance to be heard. If you can do this then you can give them the support and encouragement they truly need.
Encourage them to Mess
Most people assume that imagination purely happens within the brain. That being said, hands are just as important. If you want to help your kids then you need to encourage them to just start messing. As they work with bricks or even craft materials, you will soon see that new ideas emerge and that what started as being a somewhat aimless activity, turns into a new and exciting project.
Provide a Range of Materials
Children are influenced by toys, tools and materials. If you can, make sure that they have access to new tech, such as 3D printing kits, robot building kits and depending on their age, electronics. If you can do this then you can show them that different materials can be used for different things, and that duct tape can be used to hold things together. Let them play with glue and learn how to stick things together too, as this will give them a much better understanding of how things work in the real world. If you need some strong glue then E6000 glue is a fantastic option.
Embrace Everything
If your child is showing interest in writing things down then encourage them to write a poem. Show them how they can doodle and come up with new designs too. If you can do this and if you can encourage them to engage then you will soon find that this helps to fuel their creativity in more ways than one.
Emphasize Process
Many learning experiences happen when people are engaged in making them. That doesn’t mean that you have to put all of your attention into the things that can be made. You need to understand the process more. As children begin to get stuck into projects, they will soon find that it’s more about the process than it is the finished product. Encourage your kids to experiment and honor their thought process as much as possible. Allocate time for them to share the results of their projects, and take an interest in what they’re doing.
Extend Time
It can take quite a while for you to work on creative projects. This is especially the case if your kids are constantly tinkering. Trying to squeeze projects into set allotted periods of time will only limit your kids. Sure, you may have windows of time in the day but you need to try and be flexible here. Allow them to have their dinner an hour later if they are really stuck in something, as this is the best way for you to make sure that you do not limit them or shut them down when they are in the middle of something that is important to them. If you can keep this in mind then you are bound to be able to help them become more creative and inspired. If you need some help then why not team up with other mothers or parents in the local area? You never know there may even be opportunities for you to sign your kids up with a class or club too.
