Every child has a creative side—whether they’re great with music, have an eye for art, excel in STEM projects, or thrive through dramatic play. Younger children tend to be more expressive when it comes to creativity and thinking outside the box, but sometimes a child might need a little push when it comes to using their imagination. Allowing your child to use creative thinking helps them build problem-solving skills, which in turn will help them adapt to the world around them as it changes.
If you’re looking to give your child a little nudge and open up their imagination, we’ve put together a list of ways to encourage creative thinking in children.
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Help Your Child Pursue Their Passions
If your child shows an interest in dance, you could put them in dance lessons. If they can’t seem to put down the paints, you could put them into an art class. And if your child shows a particular passion for math, one way to support this interest is to hire a math tutor. Many parents believe that they only need to hire a tutor if their child is struggling in math, but a tutor can be a great tool for a child whose math skills are above their grade level and is in need of extra practice for a challenge or to keep their interest.
Two prominent online tutoring programs are Kumon Learning Center and HelloThinkster. While there are many similarities between Kumon and HelloThinkster, it is important to compare everything from price to program when it comes to hiring outside educational help for your child. One of the biggest advantages when comparing HelloThinkster reviews to Kumon reviews is that HelloThinkster is entirely digital—including worksheets and meetings with your child’s tutor. Nowadays, being able to enrich your child’s education while maintaining a social distancing protocol is a huge win, and that is something that gives HelloThinkster a leg up.
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Foster Their Creativity Through Art
Giving your child the tools they need to express themselves through art not only gives them the means to express themselves in the comfort of their own home—but it also shows your child that you are interested and invested in their passions. If your child shows a particular interest in painting, consider having them try out acrylic paints first, as these paints dry quickly and are easy to use for beginners and experts alike. Rather than hitting up an art store and buying a bunch of individual items, check out art supply sites like www.paintloose.com, which sells acrylic paint kits that include everything from an easel and canvases to paints and sponges.
Let your child get messy. Don’t fret if they get paint all over your floor, and try not to cringe as they mix colors which would be better off left FAR away from each other. This is all part of the learning process, and letting them explore these things will help them learn how to fix or avoid mistakes in the future.
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Encourage Reading For Pleasure
We’ve all heard the age-old saying—”reading can take you anywhere”. But we often don’t think of just how true this is, especially for children who are just learning about the world around them. Limiting screen time and encouraging your child to pick up a book instead can help them develop logical thinking, express themselves better, and imagine new things.
If your child doesn’t show any interest in any particular genre of book, consider checking out books related to TV shows or games they enjoy. Or if they are a more visual learner, opt for graphic novels or books with more illustration than text, allowing the pictures to tell the story as your child works through the book.
There is a book out there for every child. The work comes in finding what they like to read and building on that interest. As they figure out what books grab their interest, try not to censor what they read because you’re afraid they’re not mature enough or the material is too tough. If they are actively seeking out the challenge, nurture that as much as reasonably possible.
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Get Outside
Kids and nature go hand in hand. As they explore nature—whether on a hike or simply in their own backyard—they will use their senses to draw conclusions and learn about the world around them in ways a TV show or book could never explain. Getting outside and enjoying the fresh air can also improve their mood and mental clarity, which in turn will help nurture their development. And, with no technology or specific tools at their disposal, children will use their imaginations as they explore the world around them, sparking their creativity through dramatic play as they learn to perceive their bodies in the space around them.
When in doubt, get outside and play!
There are so many benefits to nurturing your child’s creativity. Once you find that spark, keep it lit, and watch as your child’s imagination takes flight.
