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How to stimulate creative thinking among children this holiday

Many parents think that creativity can’t be learned and it’s an inborn talent.  That either a child is born with or without it. However, the truth is that creativity is a skill that can be developed in every child. There are various activities that adults can do to create an environment that helps the child become more creative.

One would ask why training their child to be creative would be important? Creativity is key to one’s success and happiness in life.  It can help one navigate through life by providing them with problem-solving skills, social skills and even help them when it comes to dealing with change.

It is often thought that creativity is limited to musical and artistic expression but that is not the case. The ability to think creatively impacts a person’s aptitude for math and science, and improves their social and emotional intelligence.

In today’s world with its technological advancements, children are exposed to excessive amounts of information on television, computers, and toys early and while they ‘know’ a lot, this can actually hinder their imagination. It is based on these reasons that we propose various ways that parents even in the presence of all these gadgets, can encourage their children to be more creative.

  1. Provide Time for Creative Expression

Children are able to improve their imagination and creative thinking when they engage in unstructured play which is imaginative and child-directed. This, therefore, means that you should leave the child to his or her own whims. If in the presence of other children, as an adult, you shouldn’t direct there play or tell them what to play but leave the child to discover on their own. Apart from time, provide them with space where they can be creative and express themselves.

  1. Create an environment at home that encourages creativity

Making creative spaces at home isn’t enough. You need to go ahead and foster a creative atmosphere for the child. A good example is by asking your child open-ended questions during dinner time. Leave the child to imagine and come up with the right answers. Always remember that there is no wrong answer and this process is meant to encourage your child to explore different ideas. The questions can be random. Don’t decide for your child the best ideas or tell them that some ideas aren’t possible.

At home, you can place art on the walls so that it encourages creative expression. You can further discuss with your children about famous writers, painters, artists or musicians.  This will make them more curious.

  1. Encourage your child to act and not worry about making mistakes

We learn very early to fear failure and this is something many people carry into their adulthood. Teaching your child that there is nothing wrong with failing gives them the requisite confidence to venture into new territory. When a child fears failing, they limit their creativity and imagination.

Some great ways that you can make a child see there is nothing wrong with failing is sharing the mistakes you have also made or encouraging them to laugh it off when they fail and try again. That is exactly what Hive Creative Studio is all about. Contact us at https://hivekids.com.au/about-hive/ and allow your child to gain confidence, blossom and learn to express themselves while having a memorable time.