Creativity is one of the most important life skills a child can develop. Beyond musical or artistic benefits, creativity brings many advantages later in life. It improves problem-solving at work, allows greater expression, reduces stress, and helps makes connections with like-minded people. This post explores the benefits of creativity and how it can be nurtured, especially in children.
There is a reason that coming up with answers is often referred to as “creative problem-solving.” It’s because creativity plays such an important part in coming up with solutions to the obstacles of everyday life. Whether at work or in general life, we are presented with issues that require a combination of creativity and knowledge to find the best path. Being creative helps people adapt to new situations more easily and can greatly improve career prospects.
Creativity is also a form of expression. Art, music and other creative forms let us explore feelings in a way that we feel comfortable with. Young people can gain a greater knowledge of themselves and the person they want to be by exploring emotions safely through art and music.
It is well known that creative expression reduces stress and anxiety. It is often used as a form of therapy for sufferers of depression, as the very act of playing music or creating art can put you in a meditative state. In this state, studies have shown that positive emotions are increased while negative ones tend to withdraw. This is why art and creation go a long way to increase the happiness of a child.
Though some art-forms can be solo affairs, many also help connect people in a very real way. From joint art classes to playing in a band, or simply going to appreciate art, music, or photography, creative endeavours have a way of bringing people together. They are talking points and help human beings relate to each other and realise that we have shared experiences, no matter what colour or creed we are.
Creativity also helps children learn. Throughout any kind of creative process, questions crop up time and time again. It makes the child think in ways and about things they wouldn’t normally do. It is brilliant for expanding a child’s knowledge and understanding of the world around them.
So how do you improve creativity? Here are my three top tips for helping children (and big kids) get their creative juices flowing.
1: Use it over and over again
Creativity is like a muscle – the more you use it, the better it works. With children, try many different creative mediums – painting, music, sculpture, drawing, or whatever art-forms are available. Each one has its own unique set of challenges and discipline that will help a child grow and develop.
2: Encourage a sense of freedom.
Let them explore new things with no sense that they might be doing it wrong. We learn at least as much from our mistakes as the things that end up going perfectly, especially at a young age.
3: Don’t force it
Ensure that each creative session is fun and not enforced. Nothing kills creativity quicker than the sense that you have to do something you don’t want to do. Children should look forward to it each time, not be told they have to do it.
Andy Trowers is a freelance writer and regular contributor to www.australia.for-sale.com and is the latest advertiser here at Music Matters Blog. We are grateful for his support of the online music education community! If you are interested in finding out more about how you can promote your company, event, or product, just send us an e-mail and we will let you know about our advertising packages.
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