Kids love to play, and moms and dads know that watching children have fun is one of the true joys of parenting. Play time might be all about fun for youngsters, but it’s also vital to their development.

A recently reaffirmed clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, initially released in 2018, noted that developmentally appropriate play promoted social-emotional, cognitive, language, and self-regulation skills in children’s brains. The authors of the report indicated that play promotes executive function, allowing children to pursue goals and ignore distractions.

Kids indeed have a lot to gain from creative play, and parents can do a lot to encourage youngsters to develop their creative side.

Create a dedicated creative space at home.

Whether you live in an apartment or a house, designating a special area for creative activities gives kids a consistent place to express themselves when inspiration strikes. Equip this space with a table, a comfortable chair (to prevent them from leaving a project due to discomfort), and a variety of toys and supplies that foster imagination.

Allow children to choose their own projects.

Parents might feel tempted to steer children toward specific creative activities, but kids are more likely to enjoy and stay motivated by creative play if they select their own projects and hobbies. Some children may prefer drawing and coloring, while others might be natural builders. Parents should resist the urge to direct their kids and instead let them discover their own ways to be creative.

Don’t hesitate to participate.

While kids should be allowed to choose their own projects, parents can still get involved. In fact, studies have shown that children benefit in many ways when their parents engage with them. Such interactions help build children’s self-esteem and teach them about the world. Kids also learn new skills and strengthen their bonds with their parents through play. Children who are encouraged to lead play sessions develop and sharpen their decision-making skills. Participation can include asking questions about kids’ creative projects, such as what motivated their choices and what they hope to do next.

Take creativity on the go.

Kids’ creativity can be fostered anywhere, including outside the home. Let kids plan visits to a museum, nature preserve, or other local attractions to explore their creativity in a fun and unique way.

Being creative benefits kids in many ways, and parents can help encourage kids to use their imaginations.