Creativity helps children develop emotional, psychological, and critical thinking skills and this Seven Ways to Foster Creativity in Children is right about these. One common myth about Creativity is its being mistaken as a natural talent, with the opinion that it’s either you’re born creative, or you’re not. But the actual truth is, so many creative people today learned creativity, and it is a skill that is mastered with use. Children, especially in the African cultural climes, have more often than not been shut down as unperceptive or unwise, but nothing could better harm a creative spirit than the lack of space or freedom for expression.

In today’s world, we are learning fast that the open and innocent mind of children is especially creative, if we’re willing to stop and listen, or pay attention.

Here are Seven Ways to Foster Creativity in Children rather than stifle it;

1. Give room to questions:
Never stifle or shout down a kid when he asks questions, no more how foolish they sound, or how frequently they ask. I know, kids say the dandiest things, don’t they? And they ask the dandiest questions too. But if you listen closely most times, kids are either very imaginative, or simply hilarious. Yet they can be a lot of sense in what they say, things an adult wouldn’t care to imagine (or understand). However, if you shut a kid down, you’re not only killing his voice, you’re killing his creativity and destroying his self esteem.
In a room where creativity must flourish, you must encourage questions 9especially from children), and answer them with the utmost patience and understanding. As a wise man once found, he was even wiser for it.

2. Ask questions:
This is not a repetition. It is very intentional. Asking questions is just as good as answering them. We can take a cue from kids by learning how to ask questions. Learning how to ask your children polite, open ended questions give room for them to think critically, and come up with solutions of their own accord. Asking questions especially in a polite and patient manner
shows the kid that you’re interested in his opinions too, and will give the child more room for expression. It can also foster respect, fondness and trust. Ask questions, and always make room for the answers.

3. Take interest in what your kids take interest in:
As adults, it can sometimes be a little complicated understanding kids, but kids are really simple beings; they just want to play, all the time! Kids are usually always about fun, and they just want to have their way with it. However, paying attention to what your kids consider fun might help you discover their interests, and give you ideas on what to support. Some kids love to dance and run around, while others prefer sitting quietly and working with their hands. Whichever your kid is, taking the time to observe them, monitor their interests, engage and support will go a long way in fostering better creativity. You’ll be helping them discover their selves and their strengths early enough.

Enjoying our Seven Ways to Foster Creativity in Children so far? Let’s go on!

4. Make room:
Ever heard the saying, “Creativity thrives in open spaces”? That’s exactly what it is. If you want to help your child’s creative abilities, give them room to do so. If they love to run around, dance, build castles, or if they are always looking for things to assemble or vice versa, you may just have to encourage them. You can always find a way to support with little or no cost. Also, making room may actually help prevent accidents or costly mistakes, if you know what I mean. And if your kids love art, buy them supplies (paint, colors, color books etc). The best way to encourage creativity is to create the environment for it.

5. Don’t be afraid of mess:
I know! This is one of the hardest things to deal with. If you’re freaked out about a making a mess and prefer neatness just like I do, the life of an artist or creative might freak you out too. But sometimes beautiful things can come out of making a whole lot of mess, and children tend to do just that. An artistic child might be double the trouble too. Nevertheless, it is expedient that you allow messes be created and not try to stop it. Stopping it might hinder the creativity. What you can do instead, is ensure that they start neatly and end neatly. You can do this by simply insisting that they tidy up their work/play area once they’re done. You can assist them with this until they’re able to do it themselves. Once the kids are able to keep their environment tidy despite creating messes, it would no longer be a thing to dread. Another tip would be to avoid places that can be ruined with permanent stains, like the couch for instance, especially if they’re working with paint and colors. If you have followed number four tip properly, you may even have a room where all their creative talents are nurtured with all the space needed and little encroachment. You don’t have to worry about too much messing around that way.

6. Initiate Creative activities and engagement:
Who says adults aren’t creative either? One way to encourage the creative capacities of your children, is to suggest it. Kids love to copy, and you can lead by example. Whether you’re a creative yourself or not, you can take breaks from your day
to day activities and engage in creative, stress-relieving activities. You can do this when your children are around, or show them what you did when they’re not. Whether it’s a painting, a craft, handwork or whatever, knowing that you did such can be enough motivation for your kids to do same. You can also suggest it as alternatives to screen time and mindless playing, and another great way to do it, is to do it with them. Having creative fun together can be amazing. Putting them in creative schools, clubs or extracurricular activities similar to their interests can also be a good way to guide and nurture their creative talents.

7. Withhold judgement, but not praise:
Most kids do not yet have the intellectual capacity to take criticism, even when its constructive. They’re kids, not experts. You may need to be careful what to say, or not say anything at all. Analyzing or criticizing the work of kids can make them less willing to engage. You must however not be short on praise, and if you must speak at all, speak only as a guide. In the end, let your kids do whatever creative thing they want, and continue to encourage them for it, providing guidance only where necessary. Words like, “You’ve done a great job, keep going!” or ‘What a wonderful piece you have there!” or a simple “Amazing” (even if you don’t believe it) are all the kind of encouragement a child needs. You’re not only spurring him on to explore more, you’re giving room for mistakes. Why? Mistakes are the bedrock of creativity!

If you’re looking for creative engagements for your kids, you can enroll your kids for our Kids Art Club which is ideal for that child to boost their creative cognitive.

I hope you enjoyed reading this Seven Ways to Foster Creativity in Children as I did writing it. You can also read several other interesting articles HERE that can guide your creative journey.