Low Budget Creativity

Copyright (c) 2011 Julie Austin

Ahh, what did kids do before XBOX and Wii? What did kids do before computer games and television? Well, they probably had a much stronger imagination. And imagination is important to a child's cognitive development.

Studies show that children who have imaginary friends are more likely to be more creative and better able to solve problems. Instead of critisizing them for it, encourage it.

As it turns out, the things that you are able to do for free with your children are also some of the best for them, like engaging them in creativity. A little coaching and a lot of art supplies can go a long way when coupled with a child's imagination. Don't judge so quickly. Children and adults both need to come up with as many ideas as they can in order to find a really great idea. You might be surprised what kids will come up with if you just give them a few art supplies.

Common household items and things pulled out of the closet can turn into anything your child can dream up in their imagination. You should give children the freedom to create their own stories and then listen to what they have to say. This helps to strengthen their communication skills.

Fostering imagination is important because children need to learn how to solve their own problems instead of having mom or dad always solve them for them. They need to strengthen those problem solving skills, which will serve them well their whole lives. By letting children solve their own problems, they are less likely to grow up to have to depend on others. They will be able to solve their own problems. They are less likely to become passive and let others dictate to them. They are better able to think through different scenarios and outcomes.

Also, reading aloud to your kids helps improve their listening skills, which will come in handy in the future. It could be educational and entertaining. Children can improve their vocabulary by listening to their parents read out loud to them. In addition to reading to them, encourage them to read aloud and also to make up their own stories.

Children who develop a strong imagination are better able to cope in the real world because they are praticing the skills they need by using their imagination. Putting them into "what if" situations gives them the tools they will need when they go into the real world and are faced with real world problems to solve.


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Julie Austin is a "Go To" media expert on innovation and creativity. She's also the inventor of swiggies, wrist water bottles, which are sold around the world and the author of "The Money Garden: How to Plant the Seeds for a Lifetime of Income". http://www.createforcash.com