"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."
Young Children are Naturally Creative
How can you make sure your kids retain this wonderful creativity as they grow up?
Abilities which are constantly used grow and develop. So provide lots of creative opportunities in your kids' lives. Make them think! Encourage them to create. It's never too late - even adults can become more creative with practice.
How to Encourage Creativity in Children
Inspire them. Show them pictures, sculptures, paintings and crafts made by others. Discuss how the artist made them, and how they make your child feel. A sculpture that a child can climb on will appeal more than landscape paintings. Only do this for as long as your child is interested. Kids may like to draw the artwork afterwards, or make their own version of it.
Be creative yourself - set a good example. If you don't feel creative, relax! Sit down with your kids and experiment with craft together. Your creativity will grow too. If something doesn't work, try to think of a different way to do things that might solve the problem. Talk about what you're doing so that kids see that problems can be solved.
Teach kids new skills - for example how to weave paper strips together, or how to make a coil pot from clay. Kids will enjoy experimenting with techniques that appeal to them.
Make your kids think by asking questions. "What color are you going to paint that?" "How would it look in two or three colours? "How about a rainbow?" "What could you add to decorate it?" Try to ask open-ended questions - those that can't be answered by just "yes" or "no". Ask questions that have no single correct answers.
Craft projects with photos and instructions are great for getting started, and can spark your kids' imaginations, but don't feel you should follow the instructions exactly. It's best to encourage your kids to come up with their own variations.
Provide basics like paper, glue, cardboard boxes, crayons and paints all the time, and new art and craft materials sometimes. They don't need to be expensive. Materials like puff paints, gold, silver or glow-in-the-dark paint, sequins, craft jewels, and modelling clay can inspire children to make something new. Think twice before buying the latest toys for birthday and Christmas presents - craft materials make great gifts, and develop creativity far more.
Encourage your kids. Tell them what's fantastic about their creations (be sincere). Display their art and craft projects somewhere where everyone can see them, so they'll feel proud of their efforts. You can't keep everything they make forever, but you can take digital photos of their best creations. Your kids could even build up scrapbooks of everything they've made.
Above all, enjoy your children and have fun with them. Creativity in children grows best in a relaxed and happy atmosphere. The time you spend being creative together now will mean that your kids grow up to be resourceful. They'll learn not to give up, but to look for an inventive solution to every problem.
Look in your bookshop. Family magazines can often give you ideas for spending quality time with your children.
