What Parents & Educators Can Do to Encourage Creative Thinking at Home
Every child is born curious — asking questions, making up stories, and seeing magic in the everyday. But somewhere along the way, many kids lose confidence in their creativity. They start to believe that creativity is a talent reserved for “artistic” people, rather than a way of thinking that belongs to all of us.
As parents and educators, we have a powerful role to play in protecting and nurturing creative thinking, especially at home. Creativity isn’t something that only happens in art class — it’s a mindset that can be cultivated in daily life. Here are a few simple ways to make creativity part of your home or classroom culture.
1. Ask Open-Ended Questions
Instead of asking, “What did you do today?”, ask, “What surprised you today?” or “If you could photograph one moment from your day, what would it be?”Questions like these invite reflection and creative thinking, rather than one-word answers.
2. Make Space for “Boredom”
It’s tempting to fill every moment with structured activities — but unstructured time is often where creativity thrives. When kids have room to explore, experiment, and make their own fun, they develop creative resilience — the ability to think their way into something interesting.
3. Value Process Over Product
Whether your child is writing, drawing, taking photos, or making up stories, focus on the process rather than the final result. Ask, “What made you curious about this?” or “What surprised you while you were creating it?” This reinforces that creativity is about exploration, not perfection.
4. Introduce Photography as a Thinking Tool
Photography is an incredible gateway into creative thinking because it teaches kids to notice, frame, and interpretthe world around them. Encourage them to create small photo projects at home, like:
Documenting a day in their life
Photographing everything that makes them feel happy, or curious, or confused
Creating a visual story where each photo is a “chapter”
It’s not about having fancy cameras — a phone, a tablet, or a disposable film camera works just fine. What matters is the act of choosing what to see and how to see it.
5. Model Curiosity
Let your kids see you ask questions, wonder aloud, and try new creative things yourself. When they see that you value creativity (even if you’re not “good” at drawing or writing), they learn that creativity isn’t about talent — it’s about being open and curious.
6. Celebrate Creative Risk-Taking
If your child tries something and it doesn’t work out, celebrate the attempt just as much as the successes. Creativity thrives when kids know that mistakes are part of the process, not something to avoid.
Creativity is a Life Skill
Encouraging creative thinking isn’t about raising future artists — it’s about raising original thinkers, problem-solvers, and people who know how to find beauty and meaning in everyday life. Whether your child becomes a painter, a scientist, or a teacher, their ability to think creatively will serve them for a lifetime.