subject: The Young Imagination: 5 Ideas for Directing Your Child's Creative Pursuits Without Restricting Them [print this page] The Young Imagination: 5 Ideas for Directing Your Child's Creative Pursuits Without Restricting Them
Oh, the mind of a child. There's nothing like watching a child engage in their first acts of creation, their passion mounting in their voice and a look in their eye that tells you their pulse is racing with nothing more than the sheer electrifying act of discovery. Unfortunately, as they grow and mature, their creative fervor diminishes, and they become, well, more like us.But a parent can help to keep the creative element alive in their childand perhaps even awaken it themselves, by following these 5 great tips:1. Don't Focus on the OutcomeDeveloping their imagination should be about perfecting the process of creation rather than producing a masterpiece. Even if you have a regimented way of doing it that you know produces the best results for the effort, or if you got a cookie cutter model out of a book, it doesn't mean it should have to be done that way. And sticking to those "rules" defeats the purpose of what you're trying to accomplish.If they decide to do things another way, let them run with it. They are developing their own thinking, and even if it looks horrible, they will get better at their own way of doing things. Sometimes they will be disappointed of where it takes them, and other times they will be overwhelmed with pride and joy.Let it take them where it willit's a natural process.2. Learn to Get Out of the WayParents are leadersthere is no doubt about that. It's what being a parent is all about. But sometimes we can get a little confused about what being a leader actually means and try to hard to control our children every step of the way, if only to show them the "right way of doing it."Forcing them to do things the "right way" every time or making them start every single thing they finish does not inspire them to be more creative. Allow them to let their emotions guide themafter all, creative pursuit is very emotional in nature. And don't think that being a creator has to mean painting the next Picasso or become a master violinist by 7 years old.Sometimes, the best way to let this side of ourselves grow and develop is losing ourselves in backyard world of their making or grabbing a crayon and doctoring up a piece of plain wood. Controlling creativity is an insult to its very essence.3. Mix it UpYou don't need to always do the same thing, and variety will go a long way to keep your child engaged. Give them a wide array of different activities to inspire their minds, excite them, and keep them occupied. Remember that running around in the backyard with friends can be every bit as imaginativeif not more soas tapping keys on a piano, and the goal is not to produce a child prodigy.4. Open up CommunicationLearn to talk when you are making or doing things together. Explain your thoughts out loud, even if it makes sense to no one but yourself. Speak with them about what you're doing, and open up room for discussion and question asking. Don't just dismiss their questions because you think it will be above their head.Talk to them as if they are on the same level but just know a little less than you, and this will greatly increase their ability to learn and explore their own personality.5. Don't Set Time LimitsI encourage make an active effort to plan some time for creativityalthough, this shouldn't mean it can never be spontaneous. But avoid the temptation to force these activities for a set length of time or to push a child beyond the capacity of their age.If they grow bored with it or their attention wanes, this is natural for young children. Let them wander off doing their own thing, and they will likely come back. They can learn a more disciplined focus on their hobbies as they mature.
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