How to Influence Your Children’s Imagination
How to Influence Your Children’s Imagination
Contrary to popular belief, our children are not just tiny, drunk adults who run around aimlessly. They are curious and adventurous beings who just want to learn while having fun. There’s nothing wrong with that, is there?
As Maria Montessori said, play is the work of the child, and we should always find new and exciting ways to get our kids to play if we want them to become something better than us. That’s what every parent wants, isn’t it?
If we want our children to become great people, then we need to do everything in our power to spur their development. We need to find new ways to get their brains working. Don’t make a mistake, their brains are working at all times, but it’s up to us to steer them in the right direction. So, how can you influence your children’s development? Let’s find out together, shall we?
Use old photos
You know that drawer you have where your old photos that no one will miss are collecting dust because you’re not looking at them? Open it, and let your child play with them. Suggest a general setting like a castle or a beach, for example, get some glue, paper, and scissors, and let your child cut those photos and make a collage.
Your child will enjoy this activity that’ll spark their imagination.
Paint
Anyone can paint, that’s for sure. You can do it too. Sure, you might not be good with a brush, but who needs a brush anyway? You can paint with lots of different things – strings, sponges, strips of fabric, even fingers. Spread a big piece of paper in front of your little one, get some washable paint and just watch. See what develops.
Tell stories
Kids love stories. Wait. Scratch that. Everybody loves stories. You love them too. Admit it. So, why don’t you tell your children a story? You don’t need a book or a video. You need just your creativity. Imagine a world so beautiful that your kid would love to live in it and tell a magnificent story.
Many parent-child conversations can lead to misunderstandings, but stories cannot. The old generation passed wisdom by telling stories, and you should do that too. The greatest thing about telling stories is that they can be told anywhere. You can tell a story to your child while sitting in a teepee for kids, while lying in bed, or even while eating lunch. Fire up your imagination and inspire your children’s mind.
Visit art galleries
It doesn’t matter whether you like art galleries or not; you should still take some time to visit them with your children. Why? Because children often see things in a different way than adults. Ask your child who that skinny lady in the picture is, or where those painted ducks are going. Your child will build a narrative so complex that you’ll probably be surprised.
Explore nature
Your child will most certainly copy the things you’re doing, and that’s perfectly fine, that’s how kids learn how the world works. However, don’t be afraid to sometimes get out of the way. Put some things in front of your child and let them invent a story. That’s the surest way to spark your child’s creativity and imagination. Let your kids be whoever they need to be, not who you want them to be.
