We have long known that creativity and exploration can be two of the most powerful things when it comes to stress reduction and happiness. But, perhaps some of the most interesting things about creativity is that it can make children smarter.

From birth, through preschool, and all the way up to graduation - creativity can have a huge and positive impact.

Photo by Kristin Brown on Unsplash

Unstructured Play

Perhaps one of the most important ones is that unstructured play allows children to make and break their own rules in a world that they have created. They are physically and mentally experimenting with the world around them.

It’s not just playing that happens during unstructured play; instead, it is communication, other people's boundaries (as well as their own), negotiation, problem-solving, and even emotional regulation.

Board games

It can be difficult to know when the right time to introduce board games to children is, but it is a great time once they can hold their impulses a little bit better.

Board games help children with maths, literacy, communications, and patience.

Card games like UNO and snap are fun to start with and can help with recognition, memory, and concentration.

One of the most important things to keep in mind is that while you might be ultra-competitive, it’s not always best to let that rub off on your children. Your child must know how to lose or win graciously.

Just keep in mind that while they are little, it is important not to put too much pressure on them; it’s difficult for a 3-year-old to manage all of these expectations.

Art

Art is one of the most expressive things that children can take part in. The world that they have in their mind can be made real on paper or canvas. What might start as a few scribbles in preschool can quickly turn into a love of sculpture.

It is not uncommon for children to wish to stop painting and drawing when their current skill doesn’t match the image they have in their head. It can be a good lesson in practice makes perfect, and how to manage expectations.

Art is how we express things without words, so it is a missed opportunity to skip out on messy art play - even if it is play-doh.

Outside

Just like with adults, the outdoors brings a lot of peace and calm. The more time that children are outside playing, the more often they can let their imaginations run riot and enjoy all of the benefits of the fresh air.

But being outside is a learning opportunity too. Road safety, strange people, awareness, the nature that surrounds them, and playing with children they might not know are great social skills too.

Learning through play is one of the most important ways that children can build a wide range of skills, from motor skills to negotiation and even emotional regulation.

Creativity, when we are young, can set us up for a more enjoyable and expansive experience when we head into higher education.