Rather than relying on the latest fads for your child's Christmas gifts, why not purchase presents that will help encourage creativity. Creative gifts will likely still be appreciated, long after the latest and greatest toys become tiresome.
How Creativity Helps Children Develop
In contrast to the majority of "fad" toys, creative gifts are able to help encourage creativity, which has long since been recognised to help aid child development. In Developing Your Child's Creativity, Wilson (2009) identifies key ways in which creativity helps children develop, to include the following:
- helps children understand new ideas more quickly
- aids self-expression
- makes it easier for children to understand themselves, others and the world around them
- encourages development of cognitive skills
- aids social skills
- helps physical development – pretend play may involve lots of movement
- research suggests creative children are happier than those lacking in creativity
Key Ways to Enhance Your Child's Creativity
There are several ways in which parents may stifle their child's creativity. Try to avoid interrupting the child – helping can cause more frustration, instead let him prove that he can do things without requiring your help. It is also important not to put time restraints on creativity and to allow the the child freedom of self-expression. Wilson (2009) suggests key ways to enhance your child's creativity, to include as follows:
- let your child lead the play/activity
- allow the child to decide where to play
- avoid imposing unnecessary rules – such as not colouring outside the lines
- praise the process, not the outcome
- make your child feel safe and respect your child's privacy
- provide free time
Where to Buy Creative Toys – Gifts to Increase Creativity
One of the best places to find creative toys to help encourage children to increase creativity is The Early Learning Centre. All toys and creative resources are clearly labelled, making it simple to find age-appropriate tools to enhance your child's creativity. There are also two online stores which specialise in key toys and resources specifically designed to help spark your child's imagination and thus enhance development. If you're interested in buying Christmas gifts to increase creativity, it is well worth taking a look at The Creativity Institute and Bright Minds UK websites.
As highlighted above, it is important to find ways in which to enhance your child's creativity, as this will in turn aid many other areas of development, including cognitive, problem-solving and social skills. The key is to provide suitable materials and let your child lead the play. Remember to always praise the process, rather than focusing on the outcome.
Source:
Wilson, V. (2009) Teach Yourself – Developing Your Child's Creativity. London: McGraw Hill.
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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