Childhood is the most wonderful period of one’s life. A wild imagination and lack of everyday stress gives children the freedom to explore their surroundings for their personal and mental growth. As parents, we can help them along by encouraging their creativity through appropriate activities and play. Here are five simple ways by which you can enhance your child’s creativity.

1. BE CLEAR ON THE CONCEPT OF CREATIVITY

Children often explore their creativity through messy play. Parents can cultivate this habit by explaining and encouraging their children. It’s important that no restrictions are imposed, as creativity by its definition means uniqueness.

If you stop your children from coloring outside the lines, you stop them from thinking outside the box. If you forbid painting on the walls, you suppress a desire to explore new spaces. Instead, enable them in simple ways like providing washable colors, and plain white paper to color on.

2. ENCOURAGE READING AND PARTICIPATING IN VARIOUS PERFORMING ARTS

In an earlier article (click here to read), I’d outlined the importance of encouraging your children to read. Books are the most effective way of opening the world to your child without spending too much money. With the advent of technology, books and the performing arts have taken a backseat, but they are important growth tools.

Engaging your child in theatre, music, dance is the perfect way to discover your child’s latent skills as well as equip them with a unique talent that sets him apart from his peer group.

3. PLAY WITH YOUR CHILD

The best way children learn is by example, and parents are their biggest role models. Use toys and objects imaginatively to explain new concepts to your children. Paint, make play-doh at home, color, wash toys together or cook with your child. All these activities enhance creativity. Use role play to make them comfortable with new ideas and keep them engaged and distracted. Creativity stems from the mind and the mind must be stimulated for best results.

4. ENCOURAGE CREATIVE THINKING

Control the impulse to ‘teach’ your child through art. As mentioned above, art is subjective and completely open to interpretations. You must also resist the urge to impose your interpretations of their creations on them. Encourage them to define their work and also their imagination and innovative thinking.

5. ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD’S CURIOSITY

As busy multi-tasking parents, we often don’t have time for our child’s endless questions. However, this is a unique and easy way to enhance your child’s creativity. Instead of responding in a predictable manner, use the question as a tool to encourage your child to think. Respond with “I don’t know the answer to that, how can we find out?” and you’ll be amazed by your child’s imaginative thinking!

Ultimately, fostering your child’s creativity is in your hands. Many parents can identify creative propensities in their children from an early age. However, one never stops growing and creativity should be encouraged throughout. By supporting your children in their creative pursuits, you are honing the world leaders of tomorrow.