Nurturing the Creative Side of Your Child

0
2390
Rating :
(0 Votes )

Often single parents are so busy with trying to teach our children the practical side of things we forget how wonderfully creative they are.

Often we’re so busy with trying to teach our children the practical side of things we forget how wonderfully creative they are. Between teaching them to read, tie their shoes and brush their teeth, sometimes one of the most important lessons is lost – learning to think outside the box — to think creatively.

In addition to my work as a parenting coach, I often coach people on their careers and one of the biggest requests I hear from employers is that they want someone who can problem solve in really creative ways. It’s not only artists who are creative, but also the best inventors, scientists, physicians…essentially the best people in any field are able to think creatively.

How can we nurture this in our children?

We tend to tell our children what to do and how to do it. When they do it differently, we tell them they’re doing it wrong and correct them. Instead, consider the following tips – to help your little one keep his creativity growing.

• Watch how your child is approaching a challenge and let them work it out on their own.

• When they get frustrated, encourage them. Let them learn what works for them instead of learning to do it your way.

• Whenever it’s appropriate, ask them for help. Then brainstorm together and build on their ideas. For example, you might ask your child for help putting books away. Watch how she does it. Does she put them in according to what’s next in the pile or organize by color or size? Notice that and tell her “It’s interesting how you did that. Thank you!”

• Ask kids to help craft solutions – age appropriate of course. You might say “What do you think we should do for dinner?” and then ask them “That is a great idea! How did you come up with that?” They likely won’t know, but it will get them thinking about the process.

When kids learn to think creatively, they tend to develop a love for naturally learning things. They become more self-reliant and confident.

Richard JaramilloRichard “RJ” Jaramillo, is the Founder of SingleDad.com,
a website and social media resource dedicated to single parenting and specifically for the newly divorced, re-married, widowed and single Father with children.
RJ is self employed, entrepreneur living in San Diego and a father of three children. The mission of SingleDad is to help the community of Single Parents
“Make Life Happen…Again!”

SHARE
Previous articleA Single Dad's Guide to Quick, Cheap, Healthy Meals
Next articleSix Steps to a Smoother School Year
Richard “RJ” Jaramillo, is the Founder of SingleDad.com, a website and social media resource dedicated to single parenting and specifically for the newly divorced, re-married, widowed and single Father with children. RJ is self employed, entrepreneur living in San Diego and a father of three children. The mission of SingleDad is to help the community of Single Parents “Make Life Happen…Again!”