3 easy ways to bring more creativity to your child’s life

Covid has been such a damper on children’s creative lives, yet, for me as a piano-teacher, it has also crystalized what really matters in building a creative practice. Creativity is a powerful force: Especially in young children -who are yet uninhibited by the demands, judgement and limitations of the adult world: It will out! A few months from now, I suspect all children can get vaccinated, and we will probably start to resume in-person lessons. But that doesn’t mean you can’t support your child’s creative development today!

Here are 3 simple suggestions:

Create a music corner:

Do you have any toy-instruments at home? Drums, percussion, that old guitar you never play? If your child is curious about music, get a starter violin, a keyboard (let it have touch-sensitive keys) and a set of headphones. Then designate a corner in your child’s room as music-studio: Post pictures of notes and famous musicians on the wall of the corner, and create their own little music-studio. If they use a keyboard, you can let them use headphones, so they can practice without feeling self-conscious, and it won’t interrupt others. Whenever they pass that space, they will be reminded of music they love, and it will spike their curiosity about making sound. There are also apps that teach children simple songs, or they can do virtual lessons once a week as young as age 4!

Start an art-wall:

Many children love to draw. If your child is one of them, get them some nice crayons and paper (markers are a no-go! They don’t develop fine motor skills) or coloured pencils (don’t forget the sharpener) and give them a place to work:

A friend of mine set up a small table for her daughter next to her home office. Now they can both ‘work from home’.

If you give your child a big roll of painters tape (it can be removed without damage your walls) they can hang their art-work above their work-station. This way, your child will be surrounded by creativity when they are drawing, and it will inspire them to explore more.

Let them dance!

Do you have a child who’s really into ballet and tutus? A Hip hop enthusiast? Or a disco super-hero? Sir Ken Robinson famously told the story of a young girl, whose mother took her to see a doctor, because she couldn’t sit still in school. Instead of writing a prescription, the doctor put on the radio, and left the girl alone with music playing. She immediately started to dance, and the doctor remarked “your daughter isn’t sick; she’s a dancer.” I love that story!

If you put a mirror on the wall of their room, and put a hook next to it to hang dance-clothes next to it; tutu’s, tights, tiaras, capes! Throw in a few garments you had been meaning to donate, and wouldn’t be caught dead in anymore. Your child can play dress-up and dance studio at the same time. Make sure there is more than one outfit, so they can dance with a friend.

There are many teachers that offer virtual dance lessons, and there are also simple videos on youtube that young children can follow using an ipad.

These are three simple ways you can support creativity in this strange time. The key is to make time and SPACE. You may even want to join in…

Follow me on instagram or get information about Easy Creativity here