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“Creativity is seeing what everyone else has seen, and thinking what no one else has thought.” –Albert Einstein
It’s important for us, as parents, to promote creativity with our children, encouraging them to think out of the box to make something grand. This not only enriches their minds, but also allows them to see the world through a different lens.
They’ll learn to embrace their surroundings, and use it to inspire them to create.
There is so much kids can learn from immersing themselves in creative activities, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking. They may also realize the full potential of their imaginations.
There are many ways to foster creativity in our kids. Here are some things you can try together:
Have a family talent show
Plan a night where everyone in your family has a chance to showcase their talents, whether that be singing, dancing or acting. Creativity comes in many forms, and this will encourage your kids to really use their imagination when doing something they love.
At the end of the night, talk about what you liked about each performance. It’ll give your kids the self-esteem boost they need to encourage them to continue tapping into their creative side.
Work on an art project together
Brainstorm an art piece you would like to work on together as a family. This can be a photo collage or scrapbook, painting, or even a sculpture.
Encourage your kids to make the art project representative of who they are, so they can showcase their own styles. This will allow them to explore and showcase their individual personalities, while teaching them how to work together.
Create a storybook
Sit down together and discuss ideas for a storybook, going over the plot and potential illustrations to accompany it.
Write the story together, and have each page be illustrated by different family members. This will not only allow them to really use their imagination, but also use their critical thinking skills to decide what images will really represent the story.
Make sculptures out of recyclables
This is a way to get creative, while also helping the environment. Get out your recyclables—bottles, cans, paper and more—and build sculptures that can be used as decór around the house.
Your kids can make these for their own rooms, or as decorations for other rooms in your home. This unconventional approach to art will really make them think, and the results may surprise you.
Have an outdoor chalk art show
Enjoy the summer weather outdoors while still getting creative. Give your kids a theme, and have them create some sidewalk chalk art based on it.
Invite kids from the neighborhood to join in, and then have an art show for all the neighbors to enjoy the vibrant masterpieces the children have created.
These are some of the many ways to encourage creativity in your kids and get you started in thinking creatively, too. Cherish what they create, and showcase it proudly.
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