Imagine That and Make It So

According to many teachers and parents and my own observations, children are not developing their imaginations anymore because they don’t have to use them for anything. Everything is presented to them in a “no-imagination-necessary” form through the media, through toys and even through many of the activities in which they partake. If they cannot imagine, they are at a distinct disadvantage for being able to create their own reality by conceiving, believing and achieving.

As parents, there is much we can do to change this direction. We can make sure that a child has some free time when daydreaming is encouraged. (It is certainly not welcome in a classroom, during a sports activity or afterschool class or program.) Provide a comfortable place where a child is relaxed and open to ideas or inspiration. Sometimes this can be a tent made of sheets or a little “sleep-in” time on a Saturday morning, a climbable tree, a hiking trail, or a walk in the park. So often children are criticized for “not paying attention”. Even Einstein was quoted as saying that “Imagination is more important than knowledge”, so it seems to me that situations where imagining is not only permitted but encouraged are a positive switch from the norm.
It is also helpful to provide first-hand experiences for children. Something as easy as time to browse in a hardware store, museum or pet shop might be just the thing to stimulate ideas. Key some things to areas of interest and introduce others that are completely new to the child. Excitement over new knowledge can prime the imaginary pump.

Instead of toys or TV that provide “everything”, give a child books to read and materials that require their own ideas to make them work. Try empty boxes, cardboard tubes, empty plastic containers and jugs or scrap pieces of wood or fabric. You might just be amazed at the response and the creative things they do with them.

Another idea for developing creativity and problem solving (which also requires imagination) is questions. Ask, “What would happen if…?”, “How can you make that work?”, “If you added … what would that do?” and other questions of this nature.

Over all, provide positive reinforcement for their creative thinking and, when possible, join them with a little of your own.