5 Things To Jump Start Your Child’s Imagination Right NOW!

News flash: Imagination isn’t just a child’s pretend play.

Both adults and children need the power of imagination!

Imagination is a critical thinking skill. And problem-solving tool. It’s the engine of ideas. To Albert Einstein, imagination was more important than knowledge!

It starts with someone identifying a need. Followed by someone free thinking enough to imagine and ponder all the possibilities, no matter how absurd the idea may sound at the time. It’s that “What if….?” mentality that has led to so many innovations and advances in fields such as

medicine: organ transplants; cancer research; prosthetics
technology: computers, communication satellites, wifi, smart phones, wearable technology
science: renewable energy, the international space station and travel to Mars

Imagination is key to your child’s success in school and later life. Imagining a scenario can help children figure out how to interact with others in social settings; negotiate life’s challenges; and even plan their day.

So, what can you do right now to help your child (no matter the age) develop and stretch his/her imagination? Start here:

1. Read an actual book first. Then if you want, watch the movie.

Reading the book allows a child to use his/her imagination for what the characters look and sound like.  And to visualize the action in the story  – in more detail, even if the book is illustrated.
You can actively engage your child in what’s happening in the story. Asking questions as you read and after the story is finished spurs the imagination: What do you think will happen next? How would you change the ending of the story? Which character did you like best and why?

2.  Encourage more frequent child-directed free time just to play.

Let your child decide how and what to play, even if you join in the fun. Resist the urge to direct or guide the play time. This unstructured play allows him or her to imagine role playing and problem solving without there being a right or wrong way to do so. Even school-age children benefit from child-directed free play. How much time during the school day do they really get to determine how and what they will do?
Letting your child discover the world in his/her own way and at his/her own pace offers an opportunity to explore different activities using imagination.

3.  Go on spontaneous adventures.

Step away from the rigid schedules of daily life and enjoy spur-of-the moment fun. Go for an adventure in the backyard, the park or even in your own home. No need for supplies or special equipment, just make them imaginary. Let your child or grandchild choose the adventure. Or, give them one word – pirates, space, beach, jungle, zoo, mystery – and let him or her create the adventure.
Your adventure can be as long or short as you have time. Short adventures can help break up a stressful day!

4.  Choose toys that let your child discover and decide what to do with them.

Avoid toys that are battery operated or can only be used in one way. Look for ones that allow for multiple ways to play, as that opens up your child’s or grandchild’s imagination and lets him or her determine how to play with the toy.
Recycle things like old shirts, jackets, ties, scarves, suitcases, sunglasses, shoes, hats, jewelry to use for acting out books you’ve read or stories you create.
Grab everyday household items – wooden spoons, pots and pans, empty boxes, storage containers, gift boxes and the like – and turn ordinary items into extraordinary toys with your child’s imagination.

5.  Make up stories with your kids or grandkids.

Create your own stories by tapping into your and your child’s or grandchild’s imagination. Any topic, any time and any place (here on earth or in the universe) works. No right or wrong, just whatever they can imagine is the best. Silly or serious. Take turns adding sentences or sections of a story.
Use ‘down’ time to stretch everyone’s imagination and this could become one of your family’s favorite fun activities.

Nurturing and stretching a child’s imagination is a priceless gift parents and grandparents can give that will last a lifetime!