WHY YOUR CHILD NEEDS CREATIVITY It is necessary skill that every child needs to be adaptable in an ever-changing world, and to learn to be divergent thinkers who are able to question and solve problems effectively.

Therefore, it is vital that we recognise the important of nurturing the creativity that is innate in every young child. Our role is to help equip them with the necessary skills to take on future challenges.

BREAK DOWN THE BARRIERS As adults, we have the habit of setting up barriers to creativity in our children by imposing our own ideas and opinions on them, rather than listening to and being open to their ideas or request.

Barriers to creativity occur:

• When children must always be the best or the first
• When there is pressure to “grow up” and discard fantasy and possibilities
• When ideas are totally rejected, not considered or put down
• When there is a focus purely on learning facts and the “right approach”
• When there is a belief that children are not “good enough” or able to do something
• When there is an emphasis on comparing one child to another

HOW TO ENCOURAGE IT Focus on the process and not the end product. Give the gift of time-to think, plan and create. Develop appropriate skills that can be put to practical use. Set up open-ended situations and questions. Encourage the sharing of ideas and doing things together. And finally, create an accepting and positive environment.

LOOK FOR EVERDAY WAYS Often, creativity can be inspired in the simplest ways. For example, many creative skills are required in the preparation of a meal. Involving your children safely in such activities naturally stimulates their creativity. By encouraging stimulating holistic activities, in a positive, pressure-free environment, we can ensure the development of happy, self-confident and creative individuals.

Fiona McDonald
Head of Chiltern Learning Circles
(A member of Julia Gabriel Family of Service)