I loved this presentation from Sir Ken Robinson at the TED conference a few years ago about the importance of creativity and his analysis on the way our current education system discourages us/our children from using it as we are generally taught "this must always equal that" and one right (or more right, if its a story problem, I suppose... lol) answer.

While this type of prep and knowledge unquestionably has value, unfortunately by discouraging creativity in schools (and maybe in our homes as well as we focus on our children bringing home those A's and grooming them for professions WE deem valuable), our view of the world and our potential in it, becomes increasingly limited as we lose our ability to see a broader spectrum of options.

After all, that is a large part of what the ability and freedom to be creative is about: seeing options. This ability to see options is a huge advantage when navigating through the adventure of life. I can't tell you how often in dealing with my clients I see their discouragement centered around the inability to identify options other than those they are currently stuck in. Ironically, although innately acquired, creativity and finding options becomes something that we end up having to relearn in our adulthood. How much easier then, we can make it on our children if we protect, foster and nurture their innate sense of creativity.

Sadly, it is becoming more and more apparent that we cannot rely on our school systems to nurture, build and even place the appropriate amount of value on our children's innate ability and need to be creative. Much like the story of Gillian Lynne, it is also OUR lack of creativity and the ability to identify other options as we parent our children that we often get discouraged or wonder what is wrong with them instead of being able to think outside of the box. It is up to us as parents to encourage and nurture creativity in our homes. But how do we do this? And, is it too late to start?

First of all, I am a firm believer that it is never too late to start being more effective. That is a never ending process. So I figure, we add to this process with each new insight we receive. We are always teaching our kids what is most important by the things we do. Much more powerful than the things we say, the things they see us do, where we spend most of our time and place most of our energy, most effectively communicates to them what is REALLY of utmost importance. That being said, the best way then to begin teaching the value of creativity is of course, to be doing these things ourselves.

What does this look like? If you were or ever wanted to be a dancer, start dancing. Take a dance class once a week. If you loved to write, get out a composition book and begin writing even if its just your thoughts to begin with. Or, if you were at one time a painter or you'd like to start now, go pick up a canvas and some paint and get to it! If its been years since you picked up your guitar or sat at the piano, don't let another week go by without sitting down to play. And if you always wanted to play but don't know how, sign up for lessons. You catch my drift. How can we help our children cultivate creativity if we are unwilling to do the same for ourselves?

Another great way to begin encouraging more creativity is to support the creative efforts of others. We should take our children to ballets/dance performances, plays, concerts, art galleries, museums and orchestra performances and talk together about what we noticed, thought and felt while observing these different forms and expression of creativity.

There are also more interactive types of activities that can help place an emphasis on creativity. From a large family finger painting (whether done with paint or colored pudding), to prop type games that encourage players to find alternate uses for each object, or an add on story where parts are created by each person adding upon the last person's contribution. When it comes to nurturing creativity in our homes,these are only a few fun games that can be played where the family can have fun and enjoy being creative together.

I agree that this is in fact one of the most incredible abilities we have as humans and it is far too underemphasized. The ability to be creative is essential in achieving ultimate joy and happiness in our lives. Let us start encouraging this in our children and ourselves as we seek to be better people and parents. The positive effects can be multi-facted and far reaching. How different Gillian Lynn's life would have been if it weren't for one person who was able to see beyond the current options given to be able to explain, "Gillian isn't sick. She's a dancer."