Inspiring Creativity in Kids {+ #FollowYourArt with Gymboree}

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I think by their very nature, kids are mostly born creative.

Sure, some may be more creative than others, and some may even struggle at the idea of it, but compared to adults, they have the minds to go to the depths of the sea and the far off spaces of the universe with something as simple as a cardboard box. As a creative mind myself, I love seeing my kids' imaginations at work, and so I strive to encourage that imagination.

But how do you encourage kids to be creative? Here are a few simple tips:

• No Rules. Whoa, whoa, whoa... let's not get too crazy here, I'm not suggesting you have no rules in their every day life--- just in their creative time. If they want to mix crazy colors, let them mix crazy colors. If they tell the most outlandish over the top stories that don't make sense, let them. It's not about perfection, its just about letting them explore there own imaginations. 
• No Judgments. This goes along with that no rules. When you're a perfectionist, it can be hard not to try to help your child 'do it better', but it takes some of the creativity out of it. There's a time and a place for that.
• Find What They Love. My daughter loves telling stories and creating artwork. My son loves to draw comics. Use these interests to inspire their creativity. Maybe your child enjoys cars? Grab a box and some paint and let them create their very own race car. Just have fun with it.
• Take an Interest. I don't care for comic books, but my son does, so I take an interest anyway. I ask him to tell me about his stories, his favorites and so much more. With my daughter, she is always telling a story so I am always showing my enthusiasm and disbelief of these crazy adventures. I ask questions, I encourage the stories to go on. She loves when you stop and pay attention, and her imagination soars even further. 
• Give Them Opportunity. I'm not saying go and enroll your child in every type of creative class out there, you can introduce things at home. Buy some paints and simple paper. Enjoy some toy instruments, or just throw on some dance music and let them go. Ask them to write a story or tell it to you if they can't yet write.
• Let Them Make Decisions. What toys do they want to play with? What do they want to paint? How do they want to dress? These are simple decisions that kids are more than capable of making on their own, and in allowing them to do so, encourages them to think on their own and show the world what matters to them. 

Like I said, kids by there very nature are so creative and with these simple ideas we can help them to best explore wherever that imagination takes them. Perhaps we'll even be inspired by it themselves.

Gymboree knows this too and is celebrating all the things that inspire kids everywhere with their #FollowYourArt Campaign:

There is so much new to see at Gymboree. We are getting set for spring with hundreds of bright, new styles and fresh ideas—it’s a season full of possibilities. We are inspired by all the ways kids get creative, from putting their one-of-a-kind spin on an outfit to telling a funny story to painting their own masterpiece. We want to know what inspires you and your family. What do your kids want to create this spring? Because it’s the perfect time to #followyourart.

Take a look at some of these fun outfits:

I love how these fun styles allow children to show off their own unique styles and personalities through fashion. They love the look, and as a mom, I love the quality! I know that wherever their imagination takes their play, their outfits will hold up to the challenge. That's just what we've come to expect from Gymboree. Head over to Gymboree to check out more fun spring styles to match your child's style!




How does your child #FollowYourArt? Which outfits or pieces from Gymboree would they love?