Creativity is key to remaining happy and healthy, no matter how old you are. However, kids might need an extra dose of creatively stimulating activities because their bodies and brains are still developing. They’re learning to dream big, think outside the box and use their imagination to better understand the world around them.
Luckily, there are plenty of fun ways to encourage creativity in your kids. Here are just a few:
1. Stock Up on Art Supplies
This idea might seem like a no-brainer, but providing your kids with art supplies is one of the best things you can do for their creative side. Drawing, painting, sketching and doodling of any sort induces a flow state that’s both calming and imaginative, regardless of your age.
Making art also allows children to better regulate their emotions, even when compared to verbally expressing negative feelings. Thus, offering up pens, paper, markers and other craft supplies could help them in more ways than one.
2. Designate Space
Of course, you’ll also need space for your kids to use said art supplies. Do you have a spare bedroom that you can convert into an art studio? Perhaps there’s a table or corner of the living room where you don’t mind there being a mess. Whatever the case, it’s important to set aside a small space for creativity.
Put a tarp down if your kids are crafting on the carpet or hang drop cloths around the space to protect your walls. Alternatively, you could turn one wall into a whiteboard or chalkboard so the kids can scrawl all over it without you worrying about stains, marks and messes.
3. Get Outside
If you lack the interior space necessary for creative expression, lace up your shoes and get outside. Traipse around the backyard in search of plants and bugs or head to the nearest park and use the playground as an obstacle course.
Even a few stumps, stepping stones or boulders can turn into mountains and trails with a little imagination. Play pretend and act like your explorers discovering new land. Dare to dream big and get inventive with the characters and storyline to really flex your creative muscles.
4. Encourage Creative Problem Solving
Another great way to encourage creativity in your kids is to put them in problem-solving scenarios. For instance, you could build a rube Goldberg machine like a marble run or domino chain.
Or maybe you can play “the floor is lava” or “human knot” to really get them thinking. These games require players to use trial and error to solve problems in real time and unlock the winning sequence. The tasks spark kids’ creativity and are disguised as fun, which might be the best part!
As your children solve riddles, puzzles and games, question their approach and their reasoning behind choosing one method over another. How might they do things differently the next time around?
Asking questions helps them focus on the problem at hand so they can develop both creativity and critical thinking skills.
5. Schedule Free Time
At the same time, you don’t want to plan too many creative activities for your kids. Letting them experience boredom actually helps them develop character and valuable skills, including self-esteem and creativity.
Schedule free time into your daily or weekly routine and take away electronic devices for an hour or so to really induce boredom. Help them come up with ideas about what to do with this unstructured time. Eventually, they’ll find an old hobby or new activity to enjoy and fully immerse themselves in.
6. Support Passionate Pursuits
What sets your kids’ souls on fire? Do they get really excited about robots, Legos, computers and other electronics? Perhaps they’d rather go outside and catch bugs. Play into these interests when planning unstructured downtime.
If you’re not sure what your children like, ask them. Odds are they just need some time to consider their passions and uncover what they really enjoy. As long as the activity genuinely interests them, it’s sure to ignite their creative energy and encourage further exploration.
7. Lead the Way
Kids learn from watching their parents, for better or worse. Lead the way on the creative front by entertaining your own passions and interests. Revisit an old hobby or explore a new one and let your imagination run wild.
Make sure the kids get a glimpse of your creative side by inviting them to join in the fun. If you’re into yoga, do a short flow together. Would you rather be outside? Take a hike together and look for shapes and figures in the clouds. If you lead, your littles will surely follow.
Keeping Creativity Simple
Your day doesn’t have to look like a Pinterest board to be fun and creative. In fact, having no plan at all might be even better. Allot as much time as possible for boredom, play, discovery and creativity. Then, see where it takes you.
Whether you end up hiking at the park or crafting at the kitchen table, the point is to let loose and have fun! If you keep things simple and enjoy yourself, odds are the kiddos will, too.