You want to give your children the best academic education in order to help them succeed in life. But does it help your child cope up with the challenges of this highly competitive world? As your children grow up, the degree of their success depends on how well they tackle the different problems that life throws at them. Though some problems can be handled with experience and others with good advice, life puts you into tricky situations that demand an unconventional approach. Creative thinking is the key to untangle the complex knots of life. But how can you sow this creativity in your children?

Help kids follow their passion

Sometimes we unintentionally limit our kids in a box of our own expectations. Give your children the freedom to follow their passion. It is observed that children who follow their interests are better at performing it than those who are compelled to do it. Pursuing their interests keeps them actively engaged and nurtures creative thinking. “There’s something about living life with passion and intensity, including the full depth of human experience, that is conducive to creativity. In my own research, I found that “affective engagement”— the extent to which people are open to the full breadth and depth of their emotions— was a better predictor of artistic creativity than IQ or intellectual engagement.” says Scott Barry Kaufman on Harvard Business Review. Whether your child is passionate about arts, maths or science; encourage them to explore their natural inclination and provide them with an environment that enhances their strength.

Let them make their choices

Give your kids the freedom to engage in activities they choose to do. As parents, we are often so anxious to raise successful children that we pack up their entire day with the activities we choose for them. Take a step back and allow them to think independently and make their own decisions. Young children have the ability to learn and absorb from the environment around them. Unstructured play is as important as the structured activities you plan for them. Children who are involved in unstructured activities get time to use their creativity and imagination. Research reveals that boredom sparks creativity. So it is important to let your kids enjoy the occasional boredom and activities that they love to do.

Involve them in problem-solving activities

You can preserve the inquisitive nature of your children by keeping them engaged in problem-solving activities. It is this curiosity which unleashes the creative thinking in your children. Creativity is not about accepting the conventional way of doing things. It offers you different perspectives on the opportunity to choose the best. You can make learning fun by encouraging them to play board games. Start with the beginner levels of games like Lego and Sudoku which not only enhance their creative skills but also improve their problem-solving abilities. Reasoning with kids is another way of stimulating their curiosity and creative thinking. Don’t teach them conventional ways of solving a problem. Ask them the different ways in which they can approach a riddle. Creative mindsets are formed through stimulation in an environment that encourages problem-solving.