I always believed that creativity was an inborn talent that children either do or do not have. However, just as all children’s intelligence are not equal, all children are not equally creative unless they are provided with the right environment for creativity to flourish.

During my early years of life, my creativity was limited. Under the Australian educational curriculum, ‘creative thinking’ was not a subject. However, as my experience as a teacher developed; I began to learn that creativity was a key component of health and happiness, and a core skill to practice with children. Creativity is not limited to artistic and musical expression—it is also essential for science, math, and even social and emotional intelligence.

Many researchers believe we have fundamentally changed the experience of childhood in such a way that impairs creative development. More importantly, studies have enabled us to discover various ways to strengthen and nurture your child’s creativity.

Create creative spaces

A creative atmosphere empowers children to ‘think outside the box’ and generate different ideas. For example; at dinnertime or whilst watching television, you can brainstorm activities that the children have never done before for the upcoming weekend or let them freely make up a story using their imagination. The focus of creative activities around the home or school should be a distinct process of generating versus evaluating new ideas.

Provide creative resources

The key component of creative resources is time. Children need plenty of time for unstructured, child directed, imaginative play – combined with adult supervision and guidance. Additionally, a specific location and plenty of supplies including art, written and construction materials can foster creativity thinking. Without a set direction, resources and space – expect creative messes everywhere.

Freedom and Autonomy

Don’t be a boss. It’s difficult for a parent to not fear anything and everything that the world has to confront their child with. However, the external constraints – making them colour within the lines, so to speak – can reduce flexibility in thinking. Parents and educators need to enable children the freedom and autonomy to explore their ideas and do what they want (in a safe and fun way). For example: If your child wants to walk to school like their friends do or go to a party like everyone else in the grade – ask your child ways they can think of that can help reduce any unsafe behavior, which in turn can spark interesting ideas and discussions.

Don’t reward

The concept of rewarding your child for exhibiting creativity interferes with the creative process. It can reduce the quality of their responses and flexibility of their thought. Enable your child to intrinsically be motivated rather than trying to motivate them with incentives. For example; Instead of rewarding your child for practicing piano, allow her to choose what she enjoys – maybe sit with her and draw or ask her what she would love to do – it could be anything; from sport to taking an English tutoring.

Encourage divergent thinking

Divergent thought centers on the concept of the thought process used to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions. It focuses on finding more than one route to a solution – alternate possibilities to any challenge.
You can use divergent thinking in any area of life; whether it be a mathematical problem or the decision to move to a different school. By discussing the pro’s and con’s, alternate answers to a problem and understanding how to re program your thought process – you strive to achieve a clearer, more creative way of living.