What do kids like these days? Grandparents and other caregivers may feel analysis paralysis over the sheer number of activities available to kids today. Will making slime boost their creative skills (and does it come out the carpet)? How many pom-poms are too many? Luckily, quality time and creativity don’t require a fully stocked craft room. All kids really need is your attention and the creativity will flow from there. Dr. Lauren Loquasto, SVP and Chief Academic Officer at The Goddard School®, shares how grandparents, and any caregiver, can nurture a child's imagination in any ordinary moment.
How to Nurture Children’s Creativity
Follow Their Lead. Creativity doesn’t need an instruction manual because kids are naturally creative, thanks to their innate curiosity. That means you don’t need to plan elaborate crafts or art projects. In fact, Dr. Loquasto explains that children get more out of play when adults follow their interests instead of arriving with a fixed idea. Give kids everyday materials and see what they dream up. An empty box becomes a rocket ship, a stuffed animal has a boo boo and a cool stick is now a magic wand.
Ask Questions. Your curiosity matters as much as theirs. Ask kids to tell you about what they make, going beyond “what is it?” This question swap shifts the conversation from a finished product to the thought process behind it. Similar to praising the process not the outcome. Dr. Loquasto notes that these kinds of open-ended questions help children build confidence, language skills and a sense that their ideas matter even when something doesn't go as planned.
Embrace Creative Differences. Creativity is not one thing, though we tend to think it has something to do with art. Not every child reaches for markers. Some build elaborate block cities, invent interesting backyard games or ask endless questions about how things work. Dr. Loquasto encourages caregivers to watch for those clues rather than treating creativity as something that goes on paper. When you uncover what they’re interested in, give that interest room to grow.
Leave Room for Boredom. Creativity is born from boredom. It’s better that adults don’t fill children’s days with activity after activity. Dr Loquasto says that when kids are bored, they have the freedom to explore, experiment, come up with their own ideas and solve problems. There may be a little whining, but kids will find something creative to do!
In the full article, Dr. Loquasto shares additional ways to nurture children’s creativity and a few low-prep activities to try.