Unleashing your child’s creativity is possible, because not only is creativity all around them, it is within them. Put there by God Himself!
Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him.
Look at the world around you. I think you’d agree that we are created in the image of a very creative God. That’s why we call Him… Creator. He has put his creative nature inside of each and every one of us, meaning that we each have a contribution to His world that is as unique as we are.
Children are especially creative, even more than most adults, and for a number of reasons.
- They use their imagination on a level that most adults have forgotten is possible.
- Children see the world through an untainted lens where anything is possible.
- They don’t just think outside of the box, they’ve completely gotten rid of the box.
Do you remember being a kid, and how much differently the world looked as you viewed it from a little closer to the ground?
“The creative adult is the child who survived.” – Anonymous
Creativity unleashed allows the world to see what is yet unseen. There are so many miracles yet to be discovered within the hearts of our children. So in a world filled with creativity, yet so limited by the lack of it, how can you help nurture and unleash the creativity within your child? Here are five super-simple suggestions:
1. Make them play outside
In my opinion, nothing has the potential to unleash your child’s creativity and imagination as much as them breaking outside the walls of your own house. Children need to spend time outside in nature. God created them for this, and this world for them. Nothing is wrong with actually requiring your child to go outside and play. Give them a time limit, then let their imagination kick in and take over the rest.
“Almost all creativity requires purposeful play.” – Abraham Maslow
2. Require them to have downtime
Today’s kids are too busy. Their schedules reflect a culture that doesn’t know how to say no and doesn’t know how to slow down. Sometimes the only way our kids will have margin is if we create it for them. Kids need time and space to be creative. However, children nowadays are often not creative simply because they don’t have to be. We have filled their lives and attention with never-ending options that allow their minds to stay in neutral.
“I think it’s necessary to let kids get bored once in a while. That’s how they learn to be creative.” – Kim Raver
3. Limit their screen time
Screen time is one of the greatest threats to the creativity of this generation. In the age of the iPhone and Siri, creativity and play are often replaced with screens and convenience. Children no longer have to think for themselves, which means that they no longer have to imagine or create. Unlike a book, screens not only tell them the story but visualize it for them, leaving little to the imagination. Remember that kids will naturally gravitate towards however much screen time you allow and then some. So limit it.
“Play is the highest form of research.” – Albert Einstein
4. Give them challenges
Here’s one you can try – put them in a room and give them an hour with nothing but a box of legos… or a puzzle… or a book. Or tell them that they have to sit down at the kitchen table for 30 minutes with some good old-fashioned plain paper and a few crayons. Get creative… and so with they. After they get over the initial shock, they might actually enjoy it.
“Children are naturally creative. It is our job to give them the freedom, materials, and space to let their creativity blossom to its full potential.” – Jean Van’t Hul
5. Be creative yourself
Creativity breeds more creativity. I find that my own children are more creative in their own lives when I am. For example, my teenage daughter loves following in her dad’s footsteps through creative writing and speaking. Learn to get creative in your family life or the way you spend your time or money. We’ve found that creativity thrives off of being exposed to creativity. And there are very few things in life our kids are exposed to as much as us.
“Creativity is contagious, pass it on.” – Albert Einstein
Which of these five things could you prioritize this week to help unleash your child’s creativity?
