Discover the creative genius in your child
"Your child is so creative!"
Every child is born with the potential to be a creative thinker, but that part of a child's ability is more developed in some children than in others, for one reason or another. Why does one child prove to be a creative thinker or even a creative genius, while another does not appear to demonstrate the ability to think creatively?
"What is creative thinking?"
The Latin word creatus, was originally used in the fourteenth century, to define what it means to bring something into being or into existence, out of what appears to be nothing. Creative thinking is the thought process that results in something brought into being or existence. (1)
The word dimino could be used in this respect, also. A dimino comes into being out of nothing and stands the test of time, as opposed to the domino, which falls down, because it leans upon something else, that does not ring true and thus, cannot stand the test of time. The dimino is based upon truth, which stands forever.
Every child has the ability to create a dimino or bring something into existence out of nothing.
"Is the gift of creative thinking in a child's genes?"
Genetics do play a major, positive role in creative thinking, but at other times, creative thinking can be the direct result of necessity or ingenuity, on the part of a child. Sometimes, creative thinking comes about accidentally or it can be intentional. A child can set out to do something purely creative, entirely on his or her own, if he or she is determined to do so.
Why is creative thinking important for a child? Creative thinking is essential for human survival. It is an important skill, that should be learned by your child. Remember that we live a world that is continually changing and creativity is part of that change.
Consider these thoughts about how you as a parent, can help your child to become a creative thinker or develop his or her creative genius.
Be a role model, as a creative thinker.
You are your child's best role model. He or she will imitate what you do, at least to some extent. If you are creative and like to come up with new ideas, enjoy doing things differently or like to invent new things, so will the child who is following in your footsteps.
Look at the numerous products, processes and thought patterns that affect, influence or determine your life and lifestyle. Do you see them in a positive, creative light? What can you do to improve upon them? Show your child what you are doing and explain why you are doing specific things. He or she may be able to show you something new and different about it, too.
Encourage your child to do things that require creative thinking or active participation in creativity, on his or her part.
Brainstorming with your child on a regular basis, can help him or her to come up with original thoughts, as well as different ways of doing things or brand new ideas. You will be amazed at how creative your child actually is, in his or her thinking.
Spend time observing what your child is doing.
Watch your child when he or she is at play or when he or she is involved in various activities. Is your child always trying to do something new or different? Maybe he or she is forever asking questions about things.
Does your child tend to look at things in a different light, than you do or see them from another perspective?
Does he or she instinctively investigate something, just out of curiosity? Do you see your child analyzing things in his own way, like others in his or her age group or beyond that level? Observing your child carefully may alert you to the reality that your child could be becoming a creative genius.
Stimulate your child to think creatively.
Teach him or her to look at everything from many different directions, not just in one way. Formal or informal education and training are important, in terms of creative thinking. Teach your child how to extend borders and try to teach your child something new, different and exciting, every day. Let your child to show you what he or she has created and allow him or her to teach you different things.
Read to you child on a regular basis.
Your child may not understand everything you read to him or her, but if you continue to read to your child on a regular basis, he or she will learn how important reading is in life. New thoughts and ideas are formed when a child reads, so teach him or her to read, as soon as possible, so that he or she can explore the world of a child more fully. Use your computer or a child's computer, to teach him or her, when possible.
Use games and challenge each other to be creative and invent new ones.
Use bright colors, lights and action to stimulate your child's brain processes.
The brain of a child develops rapidly, so ongoing mental stimulation is important. Many of the skills that a child needs must be learned when he or she is young. Use appropriate toys to stimulate a young child's brain. Use age appropriate toys for older children and gradually, introduce more advanced toys.
Encourage both indoor and outdoor activities for your child.
Gradually increase your child's level of activity and especially, his or her physical activity. A child's health and well being are affected in a positive way, by indoor and outdoor activity, as well as by physical activity. Physical activity increases blood circulation, builds muscle strength, increases co-ordination and stimulates brain activity and development.
Encourage your child to be involved in music.
Music is a wonderful tool for increasing a child's creativity. Listen to music with your child or participate by creating music with him or her, because it will stimulate his or her creativity. It will help his or her mind to relax or to become more active.
Give your child things to do that will encourage creativity.
Things can be done many
different ways. Show your child how to do something one way and then, let him
or her figure out other ways, to do the same thing. Gradually, he or she will
learn how to be ingenious enough to figure out ways of doing things that may
not be familiar to you.
Make certain that the toys that you give your child, lead to creative
endeavors.Every toy can be used for some kind of a creative purpose. Sometimes, just letting a child explore or play with toys, will trigger the free flow of his or her creative genius. Everything does not have to be used for what it was created for originally. Help your child set a goal. Let him or her figure out how to reach it, with the toys at hand.
Reward creative thinking and behavior.
Perhaps your child has come up with a new idea or thought. Reward him or her appropriately. When your child creates something alone or with your assistance, show your approval for his or her efforts. Take time to listen to your child tell you about his or her new creation. Show your child that no matter how perfect or imperfect his or her creation is, that he or she is loved.
While none of these suggestions can guarantee that your child will be a creative genius, they will help to encourage and develop your child's creative thinking. Make the time to discover that creative genius in your child!
(1) Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc.,
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