“I like that too" said Christopher Robin, “but what I like doing best is Nothing." (A. A. Milne “The House at Pooh Corner") In today's achievement-oriented world, parents often don’t value imagination. There is a worry that children are wasting time when they are staring off into space. Parents fill their children’s day with lessons and activities and often children’s time is eaten away by watching TV. People fear that their children will be bored.
And giving your children a break from organized activities and electronic baby-sitters can mean them being bored at first. There may be lots of whining, but deprived of anything else to do, children will find a way to amuse themselves -- even if it means simply doing “Nothing".
Because, of course, when a child is doing “Nothing", they are exploring their capabilities for creativity and imagination.
And why is that to be encouraged? Well, firstly it enhances children’s ability to generate different ideas about a topic and thus to become better problem solvers. As our world continues to change so quickly, we are going to need people who can cope with change in a creative manner.
It also allows children to explore the world. In fantasy, they can pretend to be anything – firemen, animals, aliens! It increases self-confidence and helps children grow socially - to see the world from other people’s perspectives.
Another important benefit can be that it allows a child the space to be themselves and to deal with their feelings and problems. Children who cannot express their inner emotions verbally can often find an outlet through the stories that they create. If a child is afraid of monsters under the bed, he can hunt down the monster in a story and master his fears by transforming it.
So, give kids the space for imaginative play. Make sure that ypu provide alternative resources so that they can be creative - a good supply of paper and pens and art materials is important.
Leaving time for children to discover their potential for creativity should not mean high input of time from parents. Brainstorm with your kids, all the things that they could do without much parental supervision, outdoors and indoors play basketball, have a water fight, skip, make a den, play board games, make homemade play dough, do crafts, write a letter, make a circus, put on a magic show, make sock puppets, make doll clothes, plan an imaginary trip to the moon.
However, when the whining starts there are many activities that you can do together. Go for a walk! It is well worth the effort of making sulky children get their coats on because I know that I will soon see my teenagers collecting coloured leaves and my younger ones exploring interesting holes in trees. Read a story - this is a wonderful way for parents and children to initiate discussion. Stretch children's abilities to imagine by asking them "What if..." questions - "What if rabbits could fly?", "What if trees could talk?" Play imagination games - pretend you are leaves blowing in the wind. Be creative. Take turns in writing a story. For example, you might begin "Once upon a time, a fish went to the moon." Then let the child tell you the next part, and take turns. Help children put on a play – facilitate the organization of props and costumes.
And always remember to use your power as a parent to appreciate and praise your child’s creativity.
If you like the advice Sharri has given here and you have some questions yourself, please email Sharri directly and she will do her best to help.
To email Sharri directly please click here Sharri@dancingleaf.co.uk
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