5 lifestyle friendly ways to encourage creativity in your mini makers

5 lifestyle friendly ways to encourage creativity in your mini makers

Creativity is often seen as something we’re either good at or not. Yet being creative is not all about drawing and making, it’s about experimentation, imagination and problem solving, and the best thing about it is there is no right or wrong way to do it! But how do you encourage your little ones to get creative and have the confidence to experiment, especially whilst juggling everything else life throws our way?! We’ve put together some easy to adopt ways to make creativity an intrinsic part of everyday life, without having to think about it.

1. A ready to use space for creating

If, like us, you're already dreading packing away all that mess, our advice would be to carve out a dedicated space for getting creative if you can. A desk with paper and crayons to hand that can be used on a whim, and where paints and craft supplies can be brought out for use with minimal hassle, encouraging children to tidy up after themselves for next time!

2. Wall to wall inspiration

Is there something visual from your childhood that left a lasting impression? As children we are naturally curious, with spongy minds and an imagination at its most free. Surrounding children with a variety of visual inspiration, the things that spark conversation and storytelling, is an easy way to encourage that and to learn, whilst creating a beautiful space that everyone wants to spend time in.

3. A pride of place

A great way to build creative confidence in your little ones is to celebrate the things they make, and a simple way to do this is to display their creations. If you don’t want to use the kitchen fridge, set up a dedicated pin board, or a magnetic poster hanger – they look great and give pride of place. Just pick the perfect wall spot and easily swap in and out their favourite works of art.

4. Far and wide

There’s nothing like making a mistake for an effective life lesson! And just as our missteps are there to be learned from, the stories we hear and the things we’re exposed to shape our thinking. The wider these experiences the better we understand the world around us, and ultimately express ourselves. Seeing art close up, learning about how something is made, uncovering the story behind other people's lives, or trying something new, all leave a lasting impression we can draw upon.

5. Embrace boredom

Time does seem to go slower when you’re younger. Especially when it’s raining. And there’s only so many times you can complete the same jigsaw puzzle before giving in to screen time. But being bored is a creative superpower! There’s time to process and allow the mind to run free. Given the chance kids will find a way to pass the time, more often than not playing with the cardboard box the toy came in. With visual inspiration all around and a space to get creative, you’ll always have a response to ‘I’m bored!’.

Discover our free Mini Makers activity sheets and creative prompts