Dominique Adkins, Ed.d., LPC, NCC, ACS:
Carl Rogers (1961) defined creativity as it relates to the human experience as “the emergence in action of a novel relational product, growing out of the uniqueness of the individual.” Relating this definition to encouraging creativity in kids of all ages, creativity must result in discernible products that emerge from the child who is a unique individual (Rogers, 1961).
Creativity also allows for the child or teen to identify their creative strengths which can be translated to all areas of life and increase self-esteem. Gladding (2011) found creativity can be taught (or at least encouraged) and creativity is heterogeneous and does not follow a set pattern.
Creativity has a great deal of benefits for those of all ages. Creativity will improve self-esteem, effective communication skills, insight into patterns of behavior, as well as create new options for coping with problems (Neswald-McCalip, Sather, Strati & Dineen, 2003). Join your children in an exploration and discovery of an approach to creativity while remembering there is no one “right” way.
Amanda Beyland, LCSW:
Creativity opens up a world of possibilities for kids. Time for creative play gives children the opportunity to make up their own game, put on a play, or make an artistic masterpiece. The chance to be creative is everywhere but children need to have the space to explore.
It’s important that there is time in their day to work through the creative process and have the freedom to discover and try new ideas. Allow children to show their creativity in a safe environment where they know that their ideas are great and not something that will be made fun of. Fostering creativity allows children to feel confident enough to take a step out of their comfort zone and try different ways of doing things.
Creativity goes beyond artistic expression and can help children with problem solving, being a more flexible thinker, as well as be more confident with their own self-expression.
Be on the lookout for more insight on sparking creativity in your kids at any age. Our clinician, Kasey Cain, has some great information to share.
Until next week, Be Wise!
Resources:
Gladding, S. T. (2011). Using Creativity and the Creative Arts in Counseling: An International Approach. Turkish Psychological Counseling & Guidance Journal, 4(35), 1-7.
Newswald‐McCalip, R., Sather, J., Strati, J. V. & Dineen, J. (2003), Exploring the Process of Creative Supervision: Initial Findings Regarding the Regenerative Model.
The Journal of Humanistic Counseling, Education and Development, 42, 223-237. doi:10.1002/j.2164-490X.2003.tb00008.x
Rogers, C.R., (1961). On becoming a person. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
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