Why Limitations Are Good for Creative Kids

Hey there, parents, grandparents, and teachers of creative kids in the UK and around the world! Today, I wanted to share some ideas on why limits can be a great thing for creative children.

As primary education teachers, we’ve found that limits can actually help children unleash their creativity. It might seem counterintuitive, but sometimes too much freedom can actually stifle their imagination. There are simply too many options. It can be overwhelming. By giving them some structure and guidelines to work within, we can help our kids channel their creativity into something truly amazing.

Here are five key points to consider when it comes to limits and creativity:

1. Limits can ignite creativity

When children are given too much freedom, they might feel overwhelmed and have trouble coming up with ideas. However, when we give them some limitations, it can actually spark their creativity. By giving them a starting point or a framework to work within, they are challenged to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions.

For example, if we give children a specific theme or a set of materials to work with, they might surprise us with what they create. They could take a classic craft like origami and transform it into something completely unexpected!

2. Limits can foster new skills

When we provide children with limits, we’re also giving them an opportunity to learn new skills. By giving them specific guidelines or materials to work with, we’re encouraging them to think critically and problem-solve.

For example, if we ask children to build a tower out of building blocks that can withstand strong winds, they’re not only learning about engineering principles, but also how to use their creativity within the parameters given.

3. The best limits are challenging and specific

When it comes to limits, we want to make sure they’re both specific and challenging. If the limits are too broad, children might not know where to start. On the other hand, if they’re too narrow, children might feel too restricted and not be able to fully express themselves.

For instance, if we tell children to “make something creative,” they might not know where to begin. But if we give them a specific theme like “create a piece of art inspired by nature,” they’ll have a clear starting point and can use their creativity to interpret the theme in their own unique way.

4. Limits can cultivate a growth mindset

When children work within limits, they have to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions. This can help them develop a growth mindset, where they see obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow.

For example, if we give children a limited set of materials to work with and they struggle at first, they might feel discouraged. However, if we encourage them to keep trying and thinking creatively, they’ll eventually come up with a solution. This can help them build resilience and a growth mindset that will serve them well in the future.

5. Limits can lead to a sense of achievement

Finally, when children work within limits and come up with creative solutions, they often feel a sense of accomplishment. They’ve tackled a challenge and created something special.

For instance, if we give children a set of materials to work with and a specific task to complete, when they finish, they’ll have something tangible to show for their hard work. This can boost their confidence and encourage them to continue exploring their creativity.

So, that’s why we think limits can be great for creative kids! By giving them some structure and guidance, we can help them become more imaginative, learn new skills, cultivate a growth mindset, and feel a sense of accomplishment. Let’s encourage our children to think outside the box (and sometimes inside it!)  and use their creativity to explore the world around them.

Why not grab a subscription to BRILLIANT BRAINZ, the creative learning and wellbeing print magazine for children? Delivered direct to their doormat every month, BRILLIANT BRAINZ is packed full of creative activies and edutainment to keep your junior ‘genius-in-the-making’ focused and fired-up with creative enthusiasm! PIck and choose from the back issues library in the SHOP and/or SUBSCRIBE to get the latest issue for your favourite young person today!  

(Online sample issue here.)