When we think about creativity in children, we often picture them drawing, building with blocks or even computer coding. But creativity can show up in places and moments you’d never expect, often sneaking into the most ordinary parts of their day.
Here’s a look at some of the surprising ways creativity can present itself in children and how we can encourage it to flourish.
1. Problem-Solving
One of the most fascinating ways kids show their creativity is through problem-solving. Unlike adults, who often approach problems with a fixed set of rules and logic, children see endless possibilities. For instance, if a child can’t reach a toy that’s on a high shelf, they might create a tower of pillows to climb or use a broom to knock it down.
So, the next time your child faces a challenge, instead of stepping in to offer a solution, ask them, “What do you think we could do here?” You’ll be surprised by the inventive answers they come up with, and it will encourage them to continue thinking creatively in the future.
2. Imaginative Play
Kids often bring their imagination into everyday conversations and play in ways that surprise us. Whether they’re pretending a spoon is a magic wand or imagining their bedroom is a spaceship, their creativity transforms ordinary objects and moments into something magical. Even mundane tasks, like brushing their teeth, can turn into a superhero mission to defeat the “cavity monsters.”
During car rides or walks, encourage kids to narrate their surroundings, turning trees into enchanted forests or the sky into a world filled with dragons. Instead of correcting their imaginative stories or steering them toward reality, join in. Ask questions like, “What happens next?” or “Can I be part of your adventure?”
3. Unusual Use of Language
Children often demonstrate creativity in the way they use language. As they learn to speak, kids will invent new words or combine words in surprising ways that reflect how they view the world. For example, they might call a smoothie a “fruit mash-up” or describe the rain as “sky tears.” These phrases might seem unusual to adults, but they’re actually creative expressions of how kids are making sense of the world around them.
Instead of correcting their creative use of language, embrace it! Ask them what the word means or how they came up with it. By encouraging their playful use of language, you’re helping them develop a love of words and creativity.
4. Routine Tasks
It’s easy to assume that routine tasks, like getting dressed or cleaning up, don’t leave much room for creativity—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Kids often turn everyday activities into opportunities for imaginative play. They might pretend that getting dressed is a fashion show or that setting the table is part of a grand royal banquet.
Instead of rushing through these tasks, give your child the space to add their own creative spin. Ask if you can join in or let them lead the way.
5. Making Up Rules for Games
Children love making up new rules for games—or sometimes even inventing innovative games of their own. They might take a simple game of tag and turn it into a monster chase, where “it” must stomp around and growl, or they’ll create an entirely new set of rules for a board game to make it more exciting.
The next time your child suggests a new rule for a game, go with it! You’ll likely be amazed by the clever twists they come up with.
6. Finding Connections
Kids are constantly making observations about the world, and they often spot connections that adults might overlook. They might notice that the cracks in the sidewalk look like tree branches, or that the rhythm of the washing machine sounds like a drumbeat.
When your child points out something unusual or makes a connection you hadn’t noticed, take the time to explore it with them. Ask, “What else does this remind you of?” or “Why do you think that happens?”
7. Socializing
Creativity also shows up in how children navigate social situations. Whether they’re negotiating turns with a friend or coming up with new ways to play together, kids often invent creative solutions to social challenges. They might suggest taking turns with a toy in a new way or making up a new game to keep everyone involved.
When your child comes up with a creative way to solve a disagreement or make a game more fun, point it out and praise their effort.
8. Expressing Emotions
Children can be especially creative when it comes to expressing their emotions. They might not have the words to explain how they’re feeling, but their creativity gives them a way to express it. For example, a child might draw a picture of a storm to show how they’re feeling inside, or they might create a character who faces similar challenges.
Encourage your child to express their feelings through art, storytelling or other creative activities.
Imagination in children is fleeting. As parents, who get stuck in mundane day-to-day tasks, we are all proof of that! Let them create and imagine while they can and encourage those thoughts by letting them lead the way to your next adventure.
