Four Ways to Inspire Creativity in Your Children!

As a mom, I’ve always wondered if there was a secret formula to inspiring my children to become more creative. The reason I want them to think outside the box is because I’m hoping they will become the future drivers of innovation. I read about SIT’s organizational innovation model and found that innovative employees are much more impactful. So, I want to raise creative kids who are also innovative. This is what I learned to do.Embrace open-mindedness

Independent thinking is stirred by choices. If you always think for your children, then they will never think for themselves. Think of when it will be their time to build their careers. You don’t want them to wait for other people to make their decisions.

It is critical to help them improve their independent thinking skills now, while they are still young. If your child says she wants to help in the kitchen, then turn it into a science lab with ingredients and tools. If your child says they want to eat breakfast for dinner, then be open-minded to it.

Be role model

Your children are watching you more than you think. Your actions will create an imprint that they use to guide their lives. If you participate in certain activities, your kids are more likely to take an interest. So, if you want to inspire creativity, then you must take part in it yourself. There are many ways to express your creative side, here are just a few:

• Sing
• Draw
• Dance
• Garden
• Paint
• Sew
• Decorate

When your children watch you enjoy these activities, they will be more likely to embrace them. If it’s been a while since you’ve engaged in anything creative, think of something you enjoy doing and share it with your child. If it is a hit, then perhaps you can schedule this activity a few times a month or more.

Strike a balance

You want your kids to feel confident expressing themselves, even if they are likely to make mistakes along the way. I’ve learned that taking a step back helps. If your child feels as if they are being monitored all the time, they will become less likely to take risks. Then, creativity is diminished.

On the other hand, you could take a step back and see how they react. If you see your child drawing or writing, just let them be. You don’t have to ask them what they’re doing every minute of the day. Let them make the decision to share it with you

Set aside time for creativity

You want your kids to have a block of unstructured time, even if it is only 30 minutes before bedtime. They can use this block to explore, build and create. Give them the tools they need, and then let them take the wheel. Perhaps they might build a model city with legos or draw a futuristic flying car fueled by bamboo.

Innovation starts with creativity. It is innovation that drives our world. You can help drive innovation by allowing your kids to express their creative side from this day forward.