How to Raise Creative Kids Without Holding Them Back?

di loves to spend time on things he likes and sometimes can hear him say, "Ma, Leave me alone" or "I will do it". The way we were raised there are moments where parents want to take control back and say “I will show you how it’s done.” I really have to fight my urge to interfere and sometimes bite my tongue.

But at the same time, I admire when Adi is onto something and is giving his best shot.

Parents of creative children need to understand that their children will often do things differently than what they may think is the right way. Trying to impose your ways on them can destroy the spirit of creativity in the child. It’s important to let kids explore their talents and give them permission to be unique and different.

It's very important to let him explore and be creative, but as a parent, there are some things you should avoid doing when raising a creative child.

When it comes to raising a creative child, there are certain strategies that should be avoided. 

Avoid over-scheduling your child with activities and classes; this can lead to them feeling overwhelmed and pressured to perform. Instead, focus on exposing them to a variety of experiences that allow for natural exploration and play.

Adi loves to do a range of activities but he hates to be controlled, so I am careful about interfering too much.

Avoid micromanaging your child's creative endeavors. Allow them to make mistakes and be flexible if their projects don't turn out the way you expected. Appreciate their efforts for trying new things, rather than just focusing on the end result.

Adi was working on a gaming wheel and he was spending a lot of time on it and it did not come out as he expected. I remained positive and encouraging because I knew he was learning and exploring something new.

Resist the urge to compare your child's creative works with others. Each person is unique and should be celebrated and encouraged on their own journey. Focus on their individual growth, rather than comparing them to what other people are doing.

Don't let perfectionism get in the way of creative growth. Encourage experimentation and exploration instead of stressing about making something perfect or flawless. Creative minds can be fragile, so it's important to build a supportive environment that allows for mistakes and learning opportunities.

I always tell Adi that it's fine if things don't work out the way he planned. I encourage him to keep exploring, experimenting, and learning from his mistakes.

Avoid setting high expectations and pressuring your child to achieve a certain level of success. This can often lead to feelings of frustration and even put an end to their creative pursuits altogether. Instead, foster an environment where you emphasize the process rather than the outcome. Encourage them to keep pushing themselves and exploring new ideas, instead of focusing on arbitrary goals. Don't compare them to successful people; instead, focus on their progress and celebrate the small wins along the way.

Overall, when raising a creative child it is important to provide them with an encouraging environment where they feel free to explore and express themselves without fear of judgment or criticism.

Things you can do to support creative kids

Be an active listener when it comes to your child's creative ideas. Ask questions and provide feedback that encourages further exploration and discussion. This will help them feel supported while they develop their own unique creativity.

Adi often shares his ideas with me and I take the time to listen and respond with curiosity. I ask him questions about his ideas, which encourages a deeper exploration of the subject matter. This helps him feel supported in his creative endeavors. But there are times when I don't understand what he is talking about and I remind him that it's okay to think differently.

Encourage your child to collaborate with others. Creative minds thrive when given a chance to share their ideas and work with like-minded people. Find ways for your child to connect with others who share the same interests and ideas. Listen to their conversations and provide support when you can.

It has been really hard to get a like-minded group for Adi to collaborate with, his interests include gaming, coding, and cars.

Provide your child with access to materials and tools so they can explore their creative side. Invest in resources they might need, such as art supplies, software, and books to help them further their creative journey.

Watch movies, and videos together; this will help spark new ideas and keep their creative juices flowing.

Ask them to make a list of things they need for the project they have been working on. This will help them stay organized and make sure they have everything they need to continue working. Create a budget for them and help them shop for the items they need.

Finally, when it comes to raising a creative child, it is important to trust their instincts and give them space to explore and create without interference. Provide them with resources to help bring their ideas to life, but allow them the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them. Being creative is an ongoing process that takes time and effort, so have patience and always celebrate your successes no matter how small they may seem. You can read more here https://www.joinprisma.com/blog/why-is-creativity-important-in-education