Sparking Your Child's Imagination: 5 Don'ts When Encouraging Imaginary Play

A lot of parents are finally starting to realize the role imagination plays in a child's life and are trying to find ways to encourage creative thought, recognizing that the educational system largely ignores the necessity of this. But for a lot of parents, just where to start is not always so clear. You'll notice, however, that imagination comes very natural to a child, and the less we restrict it, the more it comes out on it's own. So here are 5 things you don't want to do when observing or nurturing the imagination of a child.

Resist the urge to always show kids the "right" way to do things--this limits their own learning and creative process. And in fact, you should purposely do things a different way than you usually do, asking for their input on how they want to go about it. This shows them how to think outside the box and reject the "norm."At the very least, give them set times when they can be indoors watching television, and stick to them.4. Don't Do Everything RightWhat kid doesn't love these types of things?Become More ActiveStart making rules, and in some cases, don't be afraid to be a little authoritarian. I don't mean to control their every thought and little action, but if it's time for them to get off their butt and go find something to do outdoors, say so. Give them chores even�gasp!JONATHAN Newman's romantic comedy of modern relationship woes is like a blind date from hell.The 84-minute running time seems considerably longer as writer-director Newman's plodding script lurches from one toe-curling set-up to the next, all orbiting the centre-piece sequence of ill-advised partner-swapping promised by the title.Don't you love being the parent? Hey, you're the boss here, so use it to everyone's advantage. I remember when I was a kid and adults used to love to rub it in by saying annoying things like "because I said so" or "I don't care if you like it or not." Hey, we listened didn't we?In the end, they may find disappointment, but they will also learn and grow, and that's the point. It only makes their successes that much sweeter.

In the end, they may find disappointment, but they will also learn and grow, and that's the point. It only makes their successes that much sweeter.

Author: James Druman