Do Educational Toys Promote Early Childhood Development? (Developing Creativity, Part V)
Every child has within themselves the ability to be creative. It is important that parents recognize the value of their child’s creativity and pursue avenues as well as make every effort in helping their child to develop in this area of their lives. Creativity can be defined many ways but is basically the development of unique and special abilities and talents in your child. However, creativity goes beyond the mechanics of developing a skill in a particular area such as music, the arts and writing. It also involves the release of one’s individuality, uniqueness, diversity and personalization of ideas and thoughts which makes it their own.
Creativity is essential as it provides a means for children to develop ideas and solutions for problem solving. When problems occur they do not always have an easy answer meaning that a solution may work at one particular time and although the circumstances may seem the same a new solution must be applied. Problem solving involves a creativeness that is flexible with the ability to adapt and apply thoughts and ideas resulting in a successful outcome. So when it comes to problem solving, children need to be challenged to make observations from various perspectives and to apply an array of solutions that they have developed through creative thinking.
Some of the ways that parents can help their children express themselves and solve problems through creative thinking are…
Be a role Model; show them first hand
Provide situations that provoke multiple choices, ideas and answers
Encourage your child to explore other possibilities
Allow flexibility rather than structure (what everyone else thinks)
Accept unusual ideas and their possibilities
Recognize and help them to express their individuality
Provide imaginative play
Allow and encourage spontaneity
Build their self-confidence through positive affirmation
Show your support in their efforts
Unless asked, let them accomplish tasks without your help
Ask questions that challenge alternative answers
Encourage, encourage, encourage
Playing is important and the most natural way for children to learn and grow. Researchers have suggested that creative adults were most likely involved in imaginative play as children. Educational toys are an invitation to fun creative learning. They are an avenue to stimulate imagination as well as providing situations requiring problem solving. They open the door of socialization with other children which provides opportunities of how others think and feel. They provide a means of developing self-confidence as your child masters various ways to accomplish tasks which also builds their self-esteem. They are also useful in helping children discover various emotions as their self-expression bubbles forth.
Creativity plays an important role in the future success and productivity of your child. Self-expression, problem solving, decision making, expressing ideas and experiencing an unlimited flow of endless opportunities and possibilities are all developed through creativeness. Although we may take for granted such things as an automobile, a telephone, lighting and computers, it was the creative expression of ordinary people who broke the mold of popular thinking an achieved what most thought the impossible. But isn’t that the desire of all parents, that their children become more successful and productive than themselves? So parents help your child’s creative juices flow.