by Georgina Martin, Collective Order
The initial months of a new year can bring a renewed energy and motivation in children to get creative. Whether this is creativity in their play, hobbies or school projects, I believe an organised approach to setting up for new pursuits can lead to greater creative flow. True, the dopamine hit will be slightly delayed, and the organising may not be as fun as the ‘doing.’ However, addressing the following three organisational barriers may ultimately lead to your child’s creativity blossoming well into the year.
SPACE
Space, or lack thereof, is a common barrier. Plan for or with your child where they would like to get creative. This might require refining a play space, setting up a designated area in a bedroom or living room or reassessing shared spaces. The aim is to establish a pressure free environment, where your child has minimal interruptions and space to explore and create. Whilst it may not be possible all the time, a space where your child can leave and return to their creative work, allows ideas and skills to develop over time, fosters ownership and builds independence.
“A space where your child can leave and return to their creative work, allows ideas and skills to develop over time, fosters ownership and builds independence.”
CLUTTER
Clutter is a great stifler of creativity. A playroom doesn’t become more creative by adding in more items. Researchers have found time and time again, having fewer toys boosts imagination, engagement and you guessed it, creativity! Open-ended items for play and creating are a great way to keep the clutter of creating in check. Rotating items and materials can also extend, challenge and refresh creative flow.
OVER PURCHASING
With basically anything and everything readily available in stores and online, it is very easy to get carried away researching and buying countless items for a creative pursuit. This can limit resourcefulness and imagination before your child has even started. They might get stuck on things they think they ‘need’ rather than the process of creating. If it is a new artistic hobby, set a budget, help your child research and then purchase. If the hobby doesn’t stick, the good news is you won’t have a storage cupboard full of countless items that have gone to waste.
A new year of creating awaits, just remember to get organised for it!
Find out more: collectiveorder.com.au or @collectiveorderau
Follow KIDDO on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter
