"Where did he come up with that?" Kids often amaze us with their imaginative ideas, and we should give ourselves a pat on the back for playing a role in this development. Innovative thinking is essential for success in school and in life, and it's our job as parents to nurture our kids' innate desire to be creative. Inventive play fosters original thinking, an asset when children are confronted with new situations. By providing activities that use their creativity and imaginations, we are giving our children an important tool to deal with life down the road.
Give them ideas.
Children come up with things to do on their own, but we also need to provide them with new ideas of interesting activities. Think back to what you did as a kid. Did you write a diary, create elaborate puppet shows, or sing and dance for relatives? Share ideas from your own childhood experiences. Offer creative writing ideas like writing an episode for a favorite television show or writing a new ending to a favorite story. Craft projects offer another outlet for inspiring imaginations. Craft kits, especially those from Curiosity Kits and ALEX, offer a wide variety of unusual and fun projects. They've brought us a long way from the sock puppets of our youth. These manufacturers offer ideas and supplies to make such things as scrapbooks, powerballs, soaps, candy, sun catchers, dolls, planes, dinosaurs, jewelry treasures, and lots of decorative items. Kids can gather ideas from the instructions, and then give the projects their own unique touches.
Keep ideas fresh.
Pick up any parenting magazine and you'll find lots of ideas to get those creative juices flowing in your kids. Search the web and check out craft stores. Keep a journal or file for magazine clippings and ideas as you find them. Stockpile so that you'll know how to answer the whiny "I'm bored" call from your kids.
Give them freedom.
Once you've given your kids some suggestions and supplies, step back and see which they choose and where they go with them. This unstructured play time gives kids an opportunity to stretch their creative muscles. Watch as they incorporate your ideas and branch out on their own.
Set an example.
Chances are, if you are a creative person, your child will be too. You display creativity in your everyday activities like when you reason with a disgruntled child, change lyrics to songs, and maybe even do some interpretive dancing to entertain a toddler. Your children see your silliness and it rubs off on them. You surely use creativity to juggle your and your family's schedules. It's a great idea to point out to your kids how you use creativity in your daily life.
As parents, we always try to do the very best for our kids and provide opportunities that will help them mature into intelligent, capable adults. Nurturing their creative spirits helps them along this road. With their well-developed imaginations, maybe they'll turn it into a yellow brick, pink polka-dotted road with sparkles!
About The Author
Susan Stump is the mother of two children and the owner of ChildCrafter, Co. - Craft Kits and Subscriptions that Inspire a Child's Imagination. This work-at-home-mom offers a great selection of creative craft kits from ALEX, Quincrafts, and Curiosity Kits from her catalog and website http://www.childcrafter.com.
local house cleaners Park Ridge ..Strollers offer a wonderful and convenient service to parents and... Read More
It's among the top criticism wives have of their husbands:... Read More
Children bombard parents with many challenging behaviours. We are delighted... Read More
If your child has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder then at... Read More
Most people with children want to be good parents. The... Read More
As with everything, names go through cycles of change with... Read More
Your Virgo Baby..August 23 - September 22Virgo children are honest... Read More
Once the newness has worn off a little, you will... Read More
"If a kid asks where rain comes from, I think... Read More
We begin forming healthy habits at a young age. With... Read More
She slipped her small, soft eight-year-old hand into mine. Her... Read More
It is not the divorce but the conflict arising after... Read More
Information is gold when you are adopted. Every tiny piece... Read More
There are a few points about shyness in children which... Read More
Adderall is a stimulant medication used in the treatment of... Read More
What is Happening in the brain of children, teens, and... Read More
Libraries offer more than books. They are places of learning... Read More
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes around the brain... Read More
One of the few decisions you'll make during pregnancy that... Read More
Successful families don't just happen. They take time, talent and... Read More
Everyone in a private practice setting who works with children... Read More
The 'phone conversation had nothing at all to do with... Read More
"There is nothing new under the sun," states Ecclesiastes 1:9.... Read More
In today's busy world, many parents have lost the art... Read More
In my opinion, these things matter...1. Enjoying childlike delights before... Read More
move out cleaning service Glenview ..Child care costs are are one of the most expensive... Read More
NY -- Strange as it may sound, bordom promotes happier,... Read More
We adopted our first child when he was three months... Read More
I will never forget the day that my daughter's sixth... Read More
The girl's jaw dropped in horror as the police officer... Read More
Teaching kids to deal with conflict effectively and peacefully is... Read More
"I don't know and I don't care."I've heard those words... Read More
What is the mystery of motherhood? I know that when... Read More
There are only two ways to get more money:1) Increase... Read More
The disquieting behavior of teenagers in the 21st century, is... Read More
Oh Please, Don't Say Maybe!!!!Are you often a participant in... Read More
Most day cares are non-profit organizations that must operate within... Read More
What one word best sums up summer fun? Water. I... Read More
Like anything else in life, there's a method to the... Read More
For most children, it is easy to learn to read... Read More
1. New Word of the DayIntroduce your preschooler to a... Read More
I remember watching my 18-month-old son eat a big frosted... Read More
A study done by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute found... Read More
"My son won't go to bed at night without a... Read More
Studies have shown that:1 out of 4 children were sent... Read More
Early childhood educators have called play "children's work". Many parents... Read More
When planning a child birthday party, just a little bit... Read More
The last decade has seen heightened interest in and awareness... Read More
You are sitting with the professionals who know about learning... Read More
We know that you want your little guy or gal... Read More
Parenting |