Fostering creativity in our children

Back to School Month: Inspiring Creativity with Kids
It’s back to school time! The most wonderful time of the year! (next to the holidays of course!)

Amidst the hustle and bustle of gathering school supplies, adjusting to new routines, first day of school nerves, preparing our young minds for their curriculum and exploration ahead is important and essential. Engaging in parent and child creativity activities strengthens the bond between caregiver and child, fosters imagination, and provides opportunities for personal growth. Here are some ways that we can encourage creativity this year:

1. Exploration: Embark on mini-adventures with your children! Whether it's a nature trail around the neighborhood, a visit to a local museum, or a simple exploration of your own backyard. These experiences expose our children to new sights, sounds, and discoveries, sparking their curiosity and igniting their imaginations. 2. Ask Questions: Encouraging our children to ask questions, make observations, and express their thoughts and feelings nurtures their creative thinking skills in a fun and interactive way.
   3. Hands on Activities ( ): Put down the iPad and get your hands dirty! Early childhood studies have indicated that engaging in hands-on activities that tap into a child's creative potential can yield tremendous benefits. Parent and child creativity activities can range from simple crafts to more elaborate projects such as STEAM projects. The possibilities are endless! Coloring, painting, drawing, sculpture-making, and writing are just a few examples that allow children to express themselves freely. Such activities not only nurture a child's creativity but also promote fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and self-expression.
   4. Digital Activities: Online platforms offer a plethora of interactive tools, allowing children to create their own animations, design digital artwork, or even compose their own music. Balancing technology use with hands-on activities ensures a well-rounded creative experience for children and strengthens their ability to adapt to the digital age.

   Here are some great sites to help with nurturing creativity this school year:

   1. Artful Parent: https://artfulparent.com/simple-kids-activities/

   2. Parents Magazine: https://www.parents.com/fun/activities/50-ways-to-play/

   3. Focus on the Family: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/15-creative-activities-to-do-with-kids/