Imaginative ways to inspire the mini creatives in your home

As parents, we try to help our children grow up to be well-rounded individuals with a wide array of interests and hobbies. However, in most cases, technology has taken over our children’s lives. We know just how challenging it can be to inspire our mini-creatives to put down their devices and pick up a pencil or paintbrush. But encouraging creativity in your child can lead to improved problem-solving skills, increased self-esteem, and a more active imagination. So pushing through the technology barrier will be worth it in the end.

Why creativity is important for brain development

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Before we dive into the practical steps of getting your child excited about being creative, let’s talk about why creativity is essential for brain development. According to research, engaging in creative activities can enhance cognitive and social-emotional development in children. Here are a few reasons why creativity is good for your child’s brain:

Problem-solving skills: Engaging in creative activities can help children develop their problem-solving skills. When children are encouraged to use their imagination and think outside the box, they are more likely to come up with creative solutions to problems.

Improved self-esteem: When children create something, they feel a sense of accomplishment, boosting their self-esteem. This sense of pride can motivate them to continue creating and exploring their creativity.

Increased imagination: Creative activities can help children develop their imagination. This can lead to more innovative thinking and an ability to see things from different perspectives.

Better communication skills: When children are in the throes of doing something creative, they are often required to communicate their ideas and thoughts. This can lead to improved communication skills as they learn to express themselves more effectively.

Now that we understand the importance of creativity, let’s explore some practical ways to get your child to put down their device and be more creative at home.

Provide creative materials

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One of the easiest ways to encourage your child’s creativity is by providing them with a variety of creative materials. This includes markers, crayons, paint, paper, scissors, glue and clay. Access to these materials allows your child to explore their creativity and express themselves in different ways.

A fantastic way to do this is to have creative kits at home that let your child make something specific. We found the Cool Maker Shimmer Me Art Studio allows your child to express their style and create their own glam glitter tattoos. Your mini creatives will love experimenting with different designs and colours, and the end result will be a unique and personalised piece of body art that they can show off to their friends.

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Encourage creative play

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Young children love to play, and you can encourage their creativity by providing them with open-ended toys and games. Toys like blocks and Kinetic Sand allow children to use their imagination and build whatever they can imagine.

For older children, board games that require imagination, like Jumanji Deluxe, provide your child with an opportunity to create their own stories and characters.

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Create a special space

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Creating a designated area in your home for your child to engage in creative activities can help inspire them to be more creative. This space can be as simple as a small table and chair with a few creative materials or a more elaborate space with an easel, paints and canvases. The key is to make the space inviting and accessible so your child feels encouraged to create.

Set side creative time

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In our busy lives, it can be easy to forget to set aside time for imaginative play. To help promote your child’s creativity, set aside time each day or each week for creative activities. This could be 30 minutes before bedtime or a few hours on the weekend. By prioritising creative time, your child will know that creativity is valued and encouraged in your home.

Model creativity

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As a parent, you are a role model for your child. By modelling creativity, you can inspire your child to explore their own creativity. This could be as simple as drawing together or creating a story as a family. When your child sees you engaging in creative activities, they will be more likely the same.

Look out for creative things you will enjoy doing together, like the Cool Maker GO GLAM U-nique Nail Salon, which lets your child design and stamp their own mani-pedis that are totally unique to them (and you). With endless possibilities for customisation, your child will have a blast creating their own nail designs and showing them off to everyone they know. Top tip: This is an excellent idea for a birthday party activity!

Celebrate creativity

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When your child creates something, celebrate it! Hang their artwork on the fridge or display it in a prominent place in your home. By celebrating their creativity, you are sending a message that creativity is valued and essential. If you took part in the Cool Maker GO GLAM U-nique Nail Salon activity mentioned above – wear your new manicure proudly, and they’ll know just how much you loved their creativity.

Provide positive feedback

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When your child engages in creative activities, providing positive feedback is essential. Let your child know you appreciate their efforts and encourage them to continue exploring their creativity. Positive feedback can help build your child’s self-esteem and motivate them to continue creating.

Embrace mistakes

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When it comes to creative activities, embracing mistakes is important. Mistakes are a natural part of the creative process, and they can lead to new and unexpected discoveries. Encourage your child to take risks and try new things, even if they might make mistakes along the way. Hang up the picture that wasn’t perfect, and wear the bracelet that was not colour-coded – it will teach them a valuable lesson.

Explore different forms of creativity

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Creativity comes in many forms, and it’s important to encourage your child to explore different forms of creativity. This could be anything from painting and making things to writing, singing, or dancing. By exploring various forms of creativity, your child can find what resonates with them and explore their unique talents and interests.

Encourage collaboration

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Collaboration can be a great way to inspire your child’s creativity. Encourage your child to collaborate with friends or family members on creative projects. Collaboration can help build social skills and inspire new ideas.

Let them invite a friend over and get the Cool Maker Kumi Kreator Bead & Braider – a must-have. With this amazing kit, your child can spin to create beautiful bracelets and necklaces for themselves and their BFF. It’s an excellent way for them to develop their creativity and fine motor skills while also fostering a sense of friendship and community.

Creativity is an essential part of your child’s development, and as you can see, there are many practical ways to inspire them to be creative at home. By providing the right materials and fun DIY kits, encouraging creative play, and setting aside the time, you can help your child explore their creativity and develop their unique talents and interests. So, what are you waiting for? Grab some materials and kits, and have some fun!

This is a paid partnership between Kiindred and Cool Maker.

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