4 Tips for Encouraging Creativity in Children

Creativity helps kids solve problems, express themselves, and build confidence. Whether they love drawing, dancing, or making music, creative activities let them explore and grow. Here are four simple ways to help your child enjoy creativity and feel proud of their ideas.

1. Support Their Interests

If your child likes art, music, or drama, help them try it! Many schools and community centers have free or low-cost classes. Some places even let you borrow instruments or art supplies.

Take your child to museums, concerts, or plays. Many places have free days or outdoor events. These activities inspire new ideas and help kids see different kinds of creativity.

Try short-term activities first, like a six-week class instead of a full-year program. This way, your child can try new things without feeling stuck.

2. Create a Creative Space

Give your child space and time to be creative. Keep simple materials at home, like:

• Paper, crayons, and paint
• Recycled items (old magazines, boxes, fabric scraps)
• Dress-up clothes for pretend play

Nature is also a great place to get creative! Ask your child to notice patterns on leaves, the way birds sing, or how the sky changes colors.

3. Show Interest in Their Creativity

When your child draws, sings, or dances, show excitement! You don’t have to be an expert—just be curious and ask questions:

• “What’s your favorite part of this picture?”
• “Can you teach me that dance move?”

Watch them practice and cheer them on. Focus on effort, not perfection. This helps kids feel proud of their work and want to keep creating.

4. Let Them Figure Things Out

One of the best ways to help your child is to let them try things on their own. Instead of fixing mistakes, let them experiment and come up with their own ideas.

• If they get stuck, wait until they ask for help before stepping in.
• Let teachers give feedback in lessons.
• Celebrate their creativity, even if it looks different from what you expected.

Creativity grows best in a fun, relaxed environment. By giving your child opportunities, showing interest, and letting them explore, you help them enjoy creativity for life.

Remember: It’s not about making perfect art—it’s about having fun and expressing ideas in new ways!

If you are looking for more tips around positive parenting, Nationwide Children’s Hospital offers free Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) support on a wide variety of topics for parents of young children. For more information, email TripleP@NationwideChildrens.org or call (614) 355-8099.