For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 NIV

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to be so creative?  One of the reasons may be whether or not they’ve had the opportunity to explore and use their imagination as a child. While it’s true that creativity can grow and blossom at anytime in life—- the early childhood and elementary years are foundational in forming our attitudes about how we approach problems, how we make use of our time and resources, and whether or not we enjoy developing our talents and abilities.

Here are ten ways to encourage your children to grow and develop in this area, and learn how to use their God-given talents and abilities.

1. Provide your children with opportunities for creativity. Don’t over-schedule them. Allow some time for daydreaming, unstructured playing, and creative thinking. But carefully monitor and limit their media time. Too much passive media time can inhibit creativity—and worse, expose them to harmful influences.
2. Arrange a space somewhere in your house for a “creative corner”. This is a place where your child can enjoy a project, and if necessary, leave it undisturbed to finish later.
3. Encourage  children to complete their current project before allowing them to start a new one—OR let them store an unfinished project elsewhere, before starting a new one.
4. Work on projects together—allowing children to participate (at their level) in a meaningful way.
5. Stimulate their interest in an activity by helping them with ideas, making suggestions, and providing a variety of materials for them to work with.
6. Remember the learning process is what’s important in the early stages.
7. Show appreciation for your child’s ideas and opinions, and be a “possibility” thinker yourself.
8. Take your children to places where they can be inspired by God’s creation and man’s inventions. Some good possibilities are museums, historical sites, national parks, camping experiences, manufacturing plants, science and space exhibits, music concerts, and travel to interesting places.
9. Expose your children to good quality literature, music, and art. Selecting those things that are uplifting and help build character.
10. Inspire your children by example and expose them to good role models. Tell them stories, and collect biographies and DVD’s of great Christians of the past and present that will inspire them.  Discuss how God used these people in wonderful ways to bring healing and hope, bring light to darkness, and make our world a better place to live.

Enjoy the wonderful opportunities God has given you today!

Verda