Ages 4-11 [Primary] 9yr old claims he has no imagination!

J

jlmoore06

Legacy Member
How do you encourage imagination? Let me say that he is my stepson and he has just recently moved in with us. All he wants to do is sit around and watch TV. It is heartbreaking because I want him to be dreaming, creating and exploring! I try to encourage his imagination by saving kitchen items like a paper towel roll or a pizza box so that he can take to his room and get creative. Last night he made a "frisbee" and showed me a piece that he literally just tore off from the pizza box. Am I being too harsh and judgemental?
 
Maybe "crafts" aren't his strength. Why not buy him a sketch pad and some colored pencils? Maybe he would like to write comics? Maybe he has a really good video game floating around in his mind? Try encouraging creativity in other areas, not just the ones you think show imagination. He may be someone who is logical rather than imaginative. There's nothing wrong with logical people; the world needs them too.
 
Make sure not to press him too much by talking daily about how important imagination is or by presenting him new hobbies to often since doing so can result in him building resistance to such initiatives. Trying to do certain things while he watches or while he sits in the proximity, but without requiring him to get involved, seems like a good way to develop his interests. And whatever you do try diversifying. Like DDavies said above, maybe you haven't found yet the things that interest him most.
 
Yes,absolutely.You are way too harsh.Kids at this age need to experience the unknown world.Let them know what they are doing and then you can start being your own self.He will find his path,but you need to support him in taking up that path.If he falters at any stage,be there to help him out.
In this case,you need to try understanding the child better.Its just a matter of time.time. Don't wry.
 
It's hard for kids who haven't really had the opportunity to just make stuff to suddenly start doing it. It does take some input from parents sometimes to give kids a push. There is nothing wrong with providing them some basic ideas to give a springboard that will allow the child to grow the idea into his own.
 
I think even with just playing legos or figures, kids can get creative. It's not necessarily the artistic stuff that they need to be creative with. Give them toys that enhance their creativity. There are also clays or play doughs which can enhance their imagination. After all, they're kids and playing is important to develop their skills. Good luck!
 
I don't think you should pressure him into doing arts and crafts if he really isn't interested in them. Why don't you try to talk to him, and ask him what are his favorite things to do? Probably he's more into music or books or sports. Have a good and open communication with him. Don't force him, rather, find out what his potentials are.
 
There are some methods which one can use to stimulate imagination. There are brain exercises. One method involves drilling the child to practice writing with his right hadn if he is right handed and vice versa. Other techniques like reading a book upside down stimulate the development of new neurological pathways which is crucial for brain growth.
 
How about reading? Maybe that would be better for him right now if he's feeling blocked. Crafts are not for everyone and even as adults we can get frustrated with them if we aren't in the mood. Do it with him or have his father read with him as his special time before bed. That way there isn't any pressure of creating something from nothing or making it aesthetic or cool. The book will help guide his imagination. Talk about the book, get him involved and make it fun!
 
Reading would totally be a good start. But it would also be good to wean him away from the TV. The TV shows now does not encourage kids imagination because everything is presented to them in a silver platter. It's the same thing with other gadgets.

Ask him what he wants to do and start from there. Know his interests and get him talking about stuff going on in school. This would also open him up on what he wants to do.
 
jlmoore06 said:
How do you encourage imagination? Let me say that he is my stepson and he has just recently moved in with us. All he wants to do is sit around and watch TV.
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I think you should take interest in what he is interested in. Take the TV for example, you can sit down with him and try to find some way to be imaginative about the things the he sees on the TV. It can work, like maybe trying to get him to imagine creating something that he sees on TV, but with Popsicle sticks. There are a ton of things that you can do.
 
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