As we continue discussing "summer survival" plans for our children, we want to FOCUS on Creativity. Without a doubt planning a fun-filled summer for your family especially if you work outside of your home full time takes a lot of creativity. Isaiah reminds us that God created the earth and He also created us. Genesis 1:26 tells us that we are made in His image. Therefore, we can tap into His creative juices.
During a seminar I attended several years ago, I learned that children lose 92% of their creative potential by the age of 8. As a mother, that not only shocked me, but put my brain into action. How could I avoid this happening to my children?
When children go to school, most of the day is spent acquiring knowledge. While this is necessary and good, it is a challenge for teachers and parents to balance academia with creative thinking skills. Summer is the perfect time and home is the best place to encourage these creative juices?
Here are some suggestions for enhancing creativity in your children this summer:
1. If you enroll your child in a day-care or have a sitter come into your home this summer, discuss the goals you have for your child and see what they can do to help you accomplish them.2. If they are old enough to stay home alone, communicate clearly what you expect them to do each day. Call them periodically during your breaks and be ready to provide ideas for creative activities. Playing video games or watching T.V. are passive activities, being creative is active.
3. During lunch, plan something fun to do with your family when you get home. KEEP IT SIMPLE!
a. Take a family walk or a bike ride after dinner and discuss God's creation as you observe the flowers.
b. Fly a kite
c. Eat watermelon and have a seed spitting contest
d. Play hide and seek in the yard
e. Play a game of throwing horseshoes
f. Put sleeping bags on the lawn after dark and find different constellations
4. Make up cards with easy no cook recipes for snacks for children to make during the day.
5. Collect easy to make craft projects for children to do alone. Some ideas include bead stringing for necklaces or bracelets, Kool-aid play dough, popsicle stick projects, model airplane/car kits, paint by number kits, sidewalk chalk, or make your own colored rice for art projects.
Remember when you walk through the door at home, your frame of mind is crucial. Try taking a quick shower before changing into some comfy clothes. You will feel revived, and it will help you get your second wind. You'll probably need it.
E-mail me with some of your own creative ideas. I will try to include them each month on our website.
Resource materials include A MOTHER'S MANUAL FOR SUMMER SURVIVAL by Kathy Peel and Joy Mahaffey. Published by Focus on the Family and available from your local bookstore.