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Imagination and Creativity | It’s The Work of Childhood!

Do you want to raise a child full of imagination and creativity?

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!

Imagination and creativity- Walt Disney Quote with girls playing under a make-believe tent with a paper crown
Laughter is Timeless. Imagination has no Age. And Dreams are Forever – Walt Disney

Creativity and Imagination Definition

Imagination and creativity in childhood are often used interchangeably; however, they are two unique skills. Creativity is commonly referred to as the ability to create something real using imagination.

Whereas 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 and discover things independently to ignite their imaginations.

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.”

Albert Einstein –

In short, your child’s imagination is fundamental to their growth and development in their first five years. Therefore, we need to nurture the power of imagination in our children and ourselves. Additionally, your child’s well-being and development depend on having downtime to just be kids and experience boredom. It is during this time that your child becomes resourceful and begins to use their imagination and creativity.

Ways To Inspire Your Children’s Imagination And Creativity

Limit Screen Time – Blindly watching a screen can dull your child’s imagination. For children 2-5 years, the AAP recommends limiting screen time to one hour a day of high-quality programming and co-view with children.

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 to be, encourage them to expand their ideas.

Create Art – Give them blank paper and lots of different art supplies. 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.

Provide the Right Tools – Make simple toys and household items available, like wooden play blocks, balls, play-dough, or wooden spoons.

Imagination and Creativity - Wooden Play Blocks - Stack of Mirror Blocks with pine cones and leaves
Wooden Play Blocks – Mirror Blocks

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 and open play to our children, together, we can raise the next generation of Walt Disney’s and Albert Einstein’s.

You can boost imagination and creativity through play and open-ended toys like wooden building blocks.  Pick up a set or two before their imaginations run dry!