Ways to Encourage Your Child's Creativity
When we think about creativity, we usually think of the product - a painting, a dance, or a story, etc. But for children, the process of creativity (not the outcome) is the important part!
Encouraging creativity in your child will contribute to their confidence, development, problem-solving skills, intelligence, personal growth, and ability to express themselves beyond verbal communication.
Let’s take a look at three ways you can encourage your child’s creativity.
Ways to Encourage Your Child's Creativity
GROWTH MINDSET
We can help our children develop talents, abilities, and intellect beyond what they are born with by cultivating a growth mindset. To do this, be the example! Show your children through your actions that it’s rewarding to continuously learn, try new things, and work through challenges with perseverance.
Try using phrases like:
You’re a hard worker
Mistakes are part of growing.
I’ll help you practice
It was clever the way you…
Studies show children who are praised for specific effort show more creativity and intrinsic motivation whereas hearing “good job” or “you’re so smart” limits a child’s effort, perseverance, creativity, and risk taking. A child who constantly hears “good job” learns to seek approval and validation from others.
Try these responses instead!
Make neutral observations: “I see you used lots of green and blue.”
Ask them to tell you what their picture is about: “Tell me about this part.”
Ask “How did you think to do this?”
Praise the effort: “You were so focused!”
What did they enjoy about making their art project or craft item? Reflect with them on the bits they enjoyed. This can help spark ideas for new projects and activities!
FOCUS ON THE PROCESS, RATHER THAN THE PRODUCT
Model making mistakes, being imperfect, not giving up! Kids imitate the people they love and admire the most! Resiliency takes time and practice to cultivate, but it will serve our children their entire lives.
"This yoga pose is so tricky. Ugh. I feel like giving up. [Deep breath]. I'm going to keep trying. I know I can do it!"
"This soup doesn't taste the way I thought it would. That's kind of disappointing. I tried really hard. Hmm, what's one thing I can try to do differently next time."
"Wow, all of these drawings look different, yet they are all beautiful."
SET THEM UP FOR EXPLORATION
The main resource to provide your child for their creative juices to get flowing is time. Children need the space and ability to act creatively without interruption from adults. Unstructured play is a big part of this.
Providing your child with the space to make a mess is also key. An area where they can make a mess and it is not a big deal.
Also keep in mind that the next time someone asks you for a gift suggestion for your children, ask for gift ideas that are easily dealt with like art supplies, small cameras, costume components (great to dress up in), and modeling clay.
PLAY, PLAY, PLAY
Free play allows children to utilize their creativity and imagination. This fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills!Prioritize time for play every day, both with others (parents, siblings, friends) and independently.
Independent play is an opportunity for children to be self-directed and take the lead. This type of autonomy gives children the opportunity to think, create, imagine, problem solve, decompress, and lead confidently.
When Mackenzie turned four, we added an art cart to the playroom which naturally encouraged a lot of open, creative play and exploration. Olivia (2) needed some initial supervision, but it is something they both use every day. Instead of coloring books, we provide plain paper for creative drawing.
Art Cart Links
