Children and Creativity

Maybe your 2-year-old thinks he's a dog or a spaceman - or even both at once! Or, you may be trying to persuade your 3-year-old to leave the fireman's hat and coat or the magic wand and tutu at home. As silly as these things may seem at times, don't discourage your children's creative inclinations. Instead, indulge and encourage your child and his/her imagination.

According to The Whole Child at http://www.pbs.org/ , creativity is the freest form of self-expression. Providing children with a means to broaden their creative and imaginative horizons benefits all areas of their growth and development. These experiences help provide a basis for how a child may handle different circumstances later in life.

Here are some ways to support and encourage your child's creativity:

Story Time:

Take turns narrating a story. Letting your child add small details, like naming a dog or character, also allows your child to use her imagination and participate in the fun. You can even make up stories about things you see when you're driving together.

All the World's a Stage: Wooden spoons, an old blanket, and, of course, the cardboard box leftover from the new computer can be great props. Anything around the house can be inspiring to a child as they explore the world around them. As long as there are no safety concerns with any props, the sky's the limit.

Provide a Treasure Chest:

In addition to props, a child needs the right costume. You don't have to pay a fortune for a dress-up trunk—just make your own. Take those old hats in the attic, last year's “must have” shoes that you never wore, some old clothes and costume jewelry, and let the fun begin.

Keep Art Supplies:

Making supplies accessible to your child will allow him/her the opportunity to be artistic when the impulse strikes. It's always good to have your child narrate their masterpiece. By doing so, you won't hurt any feelings by mistaking the purple and blue cow for a dinosaur.

You Can Be Messy:

Messes may happen with creative play and that's ok. Setting safe guidelines is a must, but allowing for a little bit of flexibility once in a while is motivation for endless potential.

You Can Be Silly:

Once in a while, forget you're a grown-up and join in. Become the first mate “the pirate ship—“ aka your sofa. And if “racing” the woman next to you in the cereal aisle makes grocery shopping easier, ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! When you share creativity and imagination with your child, you open a world of unlimited possibilities.