When we think of characteristics of creative people we often think of the idealized version of an artist or musician.
Although these can be examples of obvious creativity, it’s the characteristics of the highly creative that matter in shaping of our lives over time.
Adobe conducted State of Create survey among a group of 5,000 adults. Interestingly enough, Japan and the U.S. are the first- and second-most creative countries, respectively, among a global audience. Around the globe, more than half of Adobe’s respondents said creativity is being stamped out rather than nourished by the education system. “One of the myths of creativity is that very few people are really creative.” Sir Ken Robinson, Ph.D. Many experts feel that one of the problems is that too often educational systems don’t enable students to develop their natural creative powers. Most schools instead promote uniformity and standardization.
It is by asking questions, wondering and being curious that creative people come up with spontaneous ideas. Rather than simply collecting information, creative brains play with it. This can’t happen in an environment of extreme structure and rigidity that lack brain stimulation. In fact, most studies show that creativity is about using both sides of the brain to solve problems. The highly creative child does not focus on left or right brain but instead relies on both to begin divergent thinking.
So how do you raise creative children? First, suspend the idea that creativity is inherited. While creativity is inherent in every human being, parents can nurture and strengthen a child’s creative abilities:
- Provide children an enriched environment early on. Products like BabyPlus Prenatal Education System® can provide baby with an appropriate environment for positive prenatal cognitive development.
- Provide unconstructed playtime. Resist the temptation to overschedule your child with activities.
- Get outside! Children often find the outdoors as a source of inspiration even from the stroller.
- Look for preschools which encourage creativity and allow for contemplation of abstract ideas.
Your child has the capacity to be creative. It’s empowering when you understand just how important your role as a parent can truly be!
“The brain can be developed just as a set of muscles.” ~ Thomas Edison
