Do you want to raise an imaginative and creative child? One who is a thinker, inventor, and problem-solver? Have you ever wondered how to foster that creative imagination?
Let's Ignite Your Kids Imagination Before It’s Too Late!
Creativity and Imagination Definition
Imagination and creativity are fundamental to the first five years of your child's life. Often associated with one another, they are actually two unique skills. Creativity is commonly referred to as the ability to create something real using the imagination.
Whereas the imagination is the capability to create in one's own mind what does not exist. The imagination comes first and is necessary for creativity but not the other way around.
During these formidable years, play is one of the best ways to foster imagination. Play that is not focused on formal experiences and instruction but rather free and creative play. Therefore, children need lots of unstructured time to explore their surroundings and discover things on their own.
Imagination is More Important Than Knowledge
Albert Einstein was a genius, yet some of his most famous quotes focus on the importance of imagination, not knowledge. He said, "Logic will get you from A to Z; imagination will get you everywhere." Nothing could be closer to the truth. The power of imagination is something we need to nurture in our children and ourselves.
Your child’s well-being and development depend on them having downtime to just be kids and to experience boredom. It is during this time that your child becomes resourceful and begins to use their imagination and creativity.
Ways To Inspire Your Kid’s Imagination
Limit Screen Time - Blindly watching a screen can dull your child's imagination. The AAP recommends, "Limit screen use for preschool children, ages 2 to 5, to just 1 hour a day of high-quality programming." Parents should co-view media with children whenever possible to help them understand what they are seeing and apply it to the world around them.
Engage in Conversation - Ask open-ended questions to get them thinking and imagining what could be.
Encourage Imaginative Play - Invite them to discover make-believe scenarios. Like building a fort and exploring the wild frontier. However, whatever plot or character they choose, encourage them to expand their ideas.
Provide the Right Tools - Make available simple toys and household items like wooden play blocks, balls, play-dough, or wooden spoons.
Create Art - Give them blank paper and lots of different art materials. Incorporating their artwork into their pretend play adds another dimension to developing creativity.
Storytelling - Encourage them to visualize the scenes as you narrate the stories. Even better, have them tell you stories to stimulate their imagination.
Get Outside - Nature is a creative wonder where they can investigate, discover, and let their imaginations run wild.
Free Play - Give them plenty of free time for unstructured play.
To quote Walt Disney, a man with an extraordinary imagination...
“Laughter is Timeless. Imagination has no Age. And Dreams are Forever.”
- Walt Disney -
If we give back, free play to our children, together, we can raise the next generation of Walt Disney’s and Albert Einstein’s.
Foster their imagination and creativity through play and open-ended toys like wooden building blocks. Pick up a set or two before their imaginations run dry!