How to Encourage Your Child’s Creativity Without Controlling Their Art
- cygnini_creative
- Apr 7
- 2 min read
Let’s start with this fact: It is perfectly normal to step in when things are going awry!
We do it all the time, especially when our kids are young and navigating their world. It starts with a hand when they take their first steps and continues through their lives.
But sometimes, those protective instincts pop into regular everyday things too and then we need to check ourselves. I remember doing it! Sometimes it’s about making things quicker (anyone with me here?!) and sometimes it’s about making sure it looks good… and here we have the issue with creativity.
Creativity needs exploration, problem solving and mistakes to make it come to life.
In a structured life, creativity is dumbed down. Creativity needs mess, disruption and probably to start with, really unusual results! (notice I didn’t say BAD here! The results of pure creativity aren’t bad because they are the result of exploring materials and processes.)
Think about the times where you are being “creative” with your child, but also micro-managing the process by guiding just a little too much – making it what you want to see, not what could happen if your child did their own thing.
Now, let’s be clear, I’m not telling you off – it’s natural behaviour – but let’s start, from today, stepping back and seeing where your child’s creativity takes them. If you’re working on something together, let your child take the lead and tell you what they want you to help with. Foster the skills that will build creative thinking ✨
Say things like:
“What do you want your [project] to look like?”
“What things do you want to use?”
“What can I help with?”
Remember, creating together is great for bonding time and also developing your creative skills again, so you don’t always have to step back completely.
Be the aide, rather than the leader.
Give it a go during our Spring into Creativity Challenge this April!
Each week, I’ll share an exciting, open-ended project that lets your child explore, experiment, and create with whatever materials they have at home! PLUS… there are prizes for the most original masterpieces! 🏆🎨
🌟 How to Join:
✅ Sign up for FREE
✅ Receive fun, easy-to-follow project prompts each week
✅ Share your child’s creations for a chance to WIN!
✨ Creativity has no rules - just fun, freedom, and a whole lot of ideas! Are you in? Sign up now and let’s make magic together! 💛🎨👇
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