It just gives me immense pleasure to see creativity. When it comes from children, it just pumps my heart so much that I get supercharged. Time and again I have found myself surrounded with creative kids. And often times I don’t even have to look too far. My own 6-year-old keeps amazing me with her artwork. Whenever I see a new creation from her, I talk to her about it. Her enthusiasm in describing it gives me even more joy. She always has a reason behind what she puts on paper.
Loris Malaguzzi, the founder of Reggio Emilia's educational philosophy, said “Our task, regarding creativity, is to help children climb their own mountains, as high as possible. No one can do more.” I can’t agree more on that. My findings from understanding my daughter are that the less you know, the more experimental and creative you could get.
Art is born with no rules. Give someone a paintbrush and an easel and they will fill it with their heart. So many times, we are lost in the patterns, rules, and timetables. A lot of times, a disorder is a good thing. We don’t always have to very organized in life. Don’t get me wrong. We still need to encourage children to stay in order. However, disorganization may sometimes lead to creativity and discovery.
I always find most creative kids hanging around the loose LEGO pieces at LEGO Stores and trying to build the fastest cars or the best objects. Once they buy the box, the creativity is dead. Then it is a matter of following instructions and making the box cover look alike. Pablo Picasso said “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”
So, as parents, I believe that it is our responsibility to be creative in bringing out the creativity in our children. Sometimes that means, listening more to our kids. That itself may bring that “aha” moment where we may be able to encourage them to continue with their creative thoughts.