Creativity Needs to Be Learned: Supporting Children

"Creativity is a gift. You are either born with it or not." Wrong! Just like motor skills, language, numerical, or technical understanding, creativity can also be nurtured. Of course, parents can’t simply raise their children to be the next Picasso. That’s not the point. Creativity means much more than being good at drawing, crafting, or making music. It’s mainly about children constantly trying new things. A trial doesn’t solve the problem? Then it’s time to rethink and learn from it. Being creative means changing perspectives and thinking outside the box. New ideas arise precisely when the familiar is altered and reinterpreted. It all sounds quite complicated. Yet children are naturally creative on their own. They just need the right support.

Freedom: How Creativity Can Unfold

Probably the hardest part for mom and dad: just letting the little ones do their thing! Easier said than done, because it’s not so easy to watch a toddler seemingly experimenting aimlessly. We adults want to step in and show the kids how to do it right. And this behavior restricts children’s creativity. Kids learn best when they can tinker and learn from their mistakes. Often, mom and dad mean well and want only the best for their child. The result: a packed schedule – nothing should be missing. First, off to kindergarten, then choir, and later soccer practice. But children need time to develop creativity and find inspiration. Often, the best ideas come from boredom.

Our Tips – How Parents Can Support the Learning Process

Enough freedom is essential for a creative mind. But how else can parents support their little one’s creativity? Here are some suggestions:

• Get outside as often as possible! It’s no surprise that children are most creative outdoors. Leaves and mud become soup, and a stick turns into a sword. Nature remains the greatest source of inspiration for little ones.
• Materials for creativity. Children don’t need much to come up with great ideas. Still, they should have the chance to explore different materials. Watercolors, modeling clay, fabric scraps & co. provide lots of fun at the craft table. No instructions – even better! Parents will be amazed at the creative things children come up with.
• Break the routine! Mom and dad should always be ready for a surprise. A new way home from daycare or an exploration tour through the forest. Parents are there to help children discover the world.
• Contact with other children. Being creative together promotes the ability to work in a group. Plus, kids can inspire each other and learn from one another.
• Appreciation. Children bring home something they made themselves? Now parents shouldn’t hold back on their praise! The best way to show appreciation is by hanging the artwork in the kitchen or living room.

Creativity: Which Toys Encourage It?

The rule here is: the less gimmickry, the better. Too much technology in a toy limits children’s creativity. Toys like dolls or wooden building blocks, on the other hand, keep the play open-ended and invite interpretation. It’s especially exciting for children when they can slip into another role during play. Whether uncle doctor, little chef, or standing behind the counter like the shopkeeper around the corner – wooden toys from howa make all this and more possible. Dollhouses, play kitchens, toy stores & co. are made of wood with child-safe paint. Loving details inspire great new play ideas without overwhelming the little ones. Here, creativity can run free – completely without guidelines!