ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE MIND OF A TODDLER BY DEBRA GARNER
“Every child is an artist; the problem is staying an artist when you grow up.” --Pablo Picasso
Pretend, fairytales and make believe are the normal routine of small children. Much of their playtime is pretending. As a child, I remember playing “dress up” and putting on my mom’s shoes, clothes, finding an old hat, purse and gloves, parading around the room as an adult.
After being in the hospital for surgery, I learned the procedures and would get out my stethoscope and take the heartbeat of anyone who I could coerce into being a patient.
After a few days in first grade, I would get some books and pretend to be the teacher, to my make-believe classroom. Occasionally someone would need a slap on the hand from my ruler.
Sometimes I would even be a superhero, or a princess rescued from the castle.
Children have awesome imagination until the voice of judgement, ridicule and mocking impedes the natural ability of creative thinking. To be a good innovator and have a creative mindset it is good to play, laugh and allow time for fun which sparks creativity. Playfulness or even simple activities such as going to the Apple festival today provides energy which fuels my creativity and generates ideas. To be creative, think like a child, stay curious, ask lots of questions, then create quality designs.
