Recognizing Your Child’s Creative Potential
Posted: Tuesday, January 26, 2010
by Jami Holloway
Holloway Designs, LLC
What is creativity? The Britannica Concise Encyclopedia defines creativity as "the ability to produce something new through imaginative skill". This could be through a solution to a certain problem, discovering a new method to complete something or through an artistic object or form. When discussing creativity in kids, it is generally thought of the arts. The arts could include music, drama or artistic ability. However, this is a limited view of creativity . The Children's Health Encyclopedia defines creativity as the "ability to think up and design new inventions, produce works of art, solve problems in new ways, or develop an idea based on an original, novel or unconventional approach (answers.com/topic/creativity). This article will discuss the depth of creativity,what effects a child's environment has on their creative ability, and how parents can inspire a creative child.
Studies also suggest that it is not heredity that enhances one's level of creativity but their environment. This is an important discovery especially when discussing creative abilityin children. Children are influenced by their surroundings and the people they come in contact with on a daily basis. If their surroundings inhibit their chance to be creative, they will not learn how to express themselves to their full ability. They may have creative abilities, but if their environment does not stimulate this, they will not reach their full potential.
Encourage your child's creativity. This is not hard to do. One good way to inspire their creativity is to let them think for themselves. Allow them to ask questions and work through a problem until they come up with an answer on their own. Creativity is free thinking. If they are always given the answer, then it is hard for them to function in the world and be self-sufficient. Another way to inspirecreative ability is to expose them to new ideas and events. Take them to a museum or concert. If they enjoy science, take them to a kid's discovery event. Any quality time spent with your children is both rewarding for the parent and beneficial for the child. They will remember it in years to come and their adult life could be enhanced.
Although some see it as a hindrance,creativity is an asset. Creative people have benefited society for many years. Why not give your child every opportunity to benefit society? Every child has the potential for some level of creativity. It needs to be nurtured and encouraged. Allow your child to become their own person. Not only will they benefit, but you will to as you see your child grow into a wonderful person.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Very well written article. Being a school teacher I hope parents take your advice, it will help them in all walks of life.Thank you. It is wonderful to hear from people who work with children on a daily basis. Thank you for all of your hard work.
This was some great food for thought! I can't help recalling my old school days where you for example in art class was scored on whether you could draw well or not. Creative ideas was I am sad to say not awarded at all. I hope things are different these days.I truly hope things are different too. It is a shame that we punish children who can not perform well in one area or another. They may have capabilities in other areas. We need to encourage them instead of hindering them.
Good information! And something to challenge mom and child to get into something besides videos and TV - well written. MarijoI work on this everyday with my children. It is hard to not just turn on the tv for entertainment. However, allowing them to use their imaginations in other avenues will be more rewarding for them.
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