Cultivating Creativity
By: Kim Hedaya, LCAT
Creativity is a fundamental component of a child's development. It empowers children to express themselves, boost self esteem and confidence, solve problems, develop resilience and social skills, and increase cognitive flexibility. Though many of us understand why creativity is important, we often struggle with how to foster it. Studies have shown that creativity is an innate quality we are all born with. It is like a muscle that strengthens with practice and use.
The most effective way to foster creativity is to provide opportunities to engage in it as often as possible. Creativity is not about specific materials, products, or abilities; it is a way to view the world that thrives off imagination, curiosity, openness, and courage.
Here are some ways we can encourage ourselves and our children to open their minds to cultivate creativity:
Provide Unstructured Time: Unstructured play is crucial for creativity. So is boredom! Allow your child ample time to engage in free play, where they can use their imagination and create their own rules and scenarios. If you find yourself scheduling their day with structured activities, intentionally schedule free time for them as well.
Encourage Curiosity and Exploration: Foster a sense of curiosity in your child by encouraging them to ask questions and explore their surroundings. When creating, if they’re not sure where to start, suggest fiddling around until an idea sparks. Promote courage in playing or trying something new while holding resilience in failing and tackling it again.
Model Creative Behavior: Children learn by observing their parents. Engage in creative activities yourself and invite your child to join you. This can be painting, playing an instrument, or writing stories, or it can be cooking, scrapbooking, or doodling. Showing your child that creativity is valued and enjoyed will inspire them to follow in your footsteps.
Create a Space: Designate a specific area in your home where your child can explore their creativity. This space can be equipped with a variety of materials to draw, build, and craft. Think of providing different materials for different functions. You can include crayons, paint, clay, building blocks and costumes. You can also offer cardboard boxes, fabric scraps, magazines, and tape. The more diverse the materials are, the wider the opportunities for creativity.
Process over Product: Focus on the creative process rather than the final product. Praise your child for their effort, imagination, and persistence, regardless of the outcome. This approach helps build their confidence and encourages them to take creative risks without fear of failure.
Creativity is about encouraging children to explore, experiment, and express themselves, which helps them grow into more adaptable, innovative and emotionally resilient individuals. The opportunities to cultivate creativity for ourselves and others are endless. We encourage you to find your courage, fuel your imagination, and dive into your own creative power.
References:
Ainsworth-Land, G. T., & Jarman, B. (1993). Breakpoint and beyond : mastering the future--today. Harperbusiness.
Garaigordobil M, Berrueco L, Celume MP. Developing Children's Creativity and Social-Emotional Competencies through Play: Summary of Twenty Years of Findings of the Evidence-Based Interventions "Game Program". J Intell. 2022 Oct 2;10(4):77. doi: 10.3390/jintelligence10040077. PMID: 36278599; PMCID: PMC9590021.
Hoffmann, J., & Russ, S. (2012). Pretend play, creativity, and emotion regulation in children. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts, 6(2), 175–184. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0026299
Resnick, M. (2020, March 19). Ten Tips for Cultivating Creativity, From the Director of the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at MIT. The MIT Press Reader. https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/ten-tips-for-cultivating-creativity/
