The Ultimate Guide: How To Raise An Innovative Kid

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I visited a friend recently. When I walked into her house, she had a dresser she was putting together, railroad tracks and train cars scattered across one section of her floor, and three kids coloring a large cardboard box. Even though the site itself seemed somewhat chaotic, the sense of peace and excitement that existed in her space was impressive.

The environment was calm, the tools for creativity were out, and the kids were working hard to solve their own complex problems. “These are innovative kids,” I thought to myself. Her house is usually much more organized, but sometimes (often) we have projects that need to be done. 

What does raising innovative kids look like?

When you think of raising innovative kids, you probably picture robot parts strewn over the house. That would make my 6-year-old so happy, but I promise that isn’t the case (yet?). We also don’t consume a lot of screen time, so innovative kids doesn’t mean you have to be a tech wizard or teach your 8-year-old programming.

Raising innovative kids means having more freedom in your day-to-day life. Your kids play independently and you are no longer stuck trying to entertain them for hours upon hours. You get more time to do whatever you need to and your kids engage the creative brain which helps with long-term development.

Read: 3 ways to create a home environment for raising innovative kids.

Why should I raise innovative kids?

Not only does raising our kids to be innovative help in the long-term, but the short-term benefits greatly as well. It improves kids’ attention spans, spatial reasoning, hand-eye coordination, and improves a child’s mood.

Read 5 Reasons Why You Should Raise Your Kid to be Innovative

Raising innovative kids means raising original kids. Kids who are completely themselves. Originals are people who dream up original ideas, challenge the status quo, and take the initiative to make their dreams a reality.

In the best-selling novel, “Originals” by Adam Grant, he dives into important characteristics of people who are originals, and their parents. He explains the differences between the parents of the Germans who were adults during World War II.

Why did some Germans break the law to hide Jews and keep them safe while others turned a blind eye? How can we make sure we are raising kids who do what is right, not what is popular or just because it’s a rule?

How to get started with Raising Innovative Kids

With all the information shared already, you should have a pretty good idea of what your home environment should look like, how to encourage creativity, and what the characteristics of a creative kid are. 

To actually raise an innovative kid is a long journey.

Be consistent

Put forth a consistent effort. Read and learn as much as you can about innovation, curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity in kids. Implement what you can. Take it slow and remember the most important thing is that you are doing it. 

Give yourself time

As you implement new habits in your home, through trial and error, you will begin to figure out what is working and what isn’t. Raising innovative kids should simplify your life and help your children’s behavior. 

Let your kids fail

Give your kids a chance to try, and fail. This could be figuring out how to water the plants, or forgetting their backpack and homework. It’s hard to watch our kids fail, but the younger they do it, the less dramatic the impact. 

Be open-minded

When your kid comes up with a new idea or is contemplating a new concept, be careful not to shut it down. After all, it could be a new way of thinking about something that you hadn’t considered. 

Ask challenging questions

Kids look up to adults as the ultimate authority. In some ways, when they are compliant and believe everything, this is nice. But in other ways, it can be worrisome if they don’t develop a way to think on their own as they grow. In order to help them, ask challenging questions. Get them thinking through things critically, 

Tips for success in Raising Innovative Kids

When you are first getting started, you might feel overwhelmed. Take things slow. You don’t have to have a perfect home environment overnight or the most involved science experiments from day 1.

All you need to get started is to make space for innovation and creativity. Turn off the TV and get out some toys. That’s all you need to get started.

Read 21 Best Tips to Limit Screen Time

If you are ready for more, start by finding simple activities your child can do either with or without you. Take the time to ask questions and help them develop their critical thinking skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

The last thing you need to know about raising innovative kids

This isn’t a short-term journey. Raising independent & innovative kids is a long road, but it’s well worth it. Be consistent and simple. You’ve got this.

Check Out 7 Secrets to Independent and Innovative Play