In the zany world we inhabit, creativity must be part of our children's daily lives.
There are more than a few reasons why cultivating the imagination of our children is so important. For one, it is not merely a whimsical path to take. It is imbued with all sorts of potent and empowering possibilities. Thinking in different and what might sometimes seem to be nonsensical ways is actually a very powerful cognitive tool, especially when we are faced with a problem that needs to be solved.
One of the most powerful ways to nurture this innovative spirit is to weave stories, art, and direct activities into the daily routines of children. When children immerse themselves in the telling of stories or in the doing of art projects, they are building scaffolds in their brains that help them hold onto and manipulate the kinds of mental materials that make a strong foundation for the next kind of brain boost.
Imaginative endeavors can also help children learn. Learning and playing are not mutually exclusive activities; rather, they can be complementary experiences, especially when it comes to the development of the young mind. Children often partake in imaginative activities, which are, by definition, not constrained by the real world. Yet, these activities can serve as a bridge to help children cross from the world of make-believe to the world of reality—a transition that is necessary for learning.
Imagination is also something one must encourage. You can do this in as simple a way as providing cozy spaces for reading, filled with not just books but colorful, engaging, and thought-provoking displays. In corners devoted to artistic pursuits, make sure your supplies are stimulating and your prompts are openended—that's kind of a given. But these spaces serve another function, and it is perhaps even more important than the first. When environments are safe and free from negative judgment, children will explore with much greater abandon.
What parents and educators do is both foundational and critical. When even the tiniest steps toward creativity are recognized and celebrated, a child's imaginative thinking is nudged a little closer to the spotlight. There is no greater way to ensure that than by dishing out heaps of praise, along with a side order of constructive criticisms, that many children (and adults) too often have to live without.
In the end, nurturing a fertile and limitless imagination today sets the stage for our tomorrow populated by leaders, thinkers, and innovators. By embracing pursuits of creativity, we bestow a lifelong boon upon our children. We equip them with the imaginative skills that will serve them in our ever-more-volatile world. Hope and creativity are the watchwords.
