The Science Behind Creative Thinking and How It Benefits Kids
Written by Pakhi Rewri | October 1, 2024
Introduction
Very often, kids can effortlessly come up with accurate ideas and solutions. Their minds can act as sponges, absorbing a lot of information while also generating new ideas. This is a testament that irrespective of age, the human mind is capable of processing a plethora of information and also generating authentic ideas at lightning speed.
It is interesting to note that both comprehension and creativity are interlinked with each other in a way. According to the American Psychological Association, cognitive development and creativity go hand in hand. This is why it's very important to understand the growth of a child's mind to truly comprehend the science behind creativity. In this article, readers can find a deep dive into the world of creativity and the human mind. It can be especially beneficial for parents who want to tap into their child's creative abilities and boost it.
What is Creativity
In simple terms, creativity is the ability of a person or a child to generate valuable and authentic ideas. These ideas can be in the form of solutions, artistic pieces, music rhymes, or a story. Creativity has no confinements and is a trait that every other person possesses in one way or the other. Generally, it is divided into two different types. One is convergent thinking and the other is divergent thinking.
Convergent Thinking
Convergent thinking is when one narrows down their ideas to find the best solution. It includes defining, analysing, and focusing on a single solution by reducing the noise.
Divergent Thinking
Divergent thinking is one of the most common ways of fostering creativity. It includes generating a multitude of solutions to a problem through abstract thinking and coming up with as many original ideas as possible. For instance, when you think of all the potential uses of a pencil, you are indulging in divergent thinking.
How Is the Brain Linked to Creativity
One of the common questions that many people might have is what happens to the brain when one is being creative. It's quite amusing that while a person is trying to be creative, different parts of their brain interact with each other. However, the two essential brain networks that play a key role include the default mode network (DMN) and the executive control network (ECN).
As per the NLN published in 2025, the DMN is active when one is daydreaming or letting their mind wander freely. This is when a lot of divergent thinking also happens. Generally, the mind is not focused on a task during this process and the brain is free to make new connections.
The ECN on the other hand kicks in when one is focused on solving a specific problem. This has been a lot of convergent thinking that takes place when one has to refine and evaluate ideas. It has been noted that highly creative people can easily switch between ECN and DMN.
The Role of Creativity In Improving Children’s Performance
After understanding the science behind creative thinking, it's time to understand how creativity or creative thinking can help a child perform better. Here is the role of creativity in improving a child's performance.
Better Problem-Solving Skills
One of the immediate benefits of having high creativity is the fact that it lets individuals approach problems from a bigger perspective. Kids may learn how to diverge from the conventional thought of school and generate multiple ideas for complex problems. This is a crucial skill that may help a child in personal life as well as in their academic journey.
Increased Motivation
As per ResearchGate, creativity can also enhance a child's mood and promote better emotional regulation. Several studies have also shown that creative expression through the form of writing, drawing, or other such artistic activities acts as a catharsis. This may have therapeutic effects on a child's mind and improve their overall mental well-being.
Stronger Communication
A creative child may also foster better social relationships because of higher confidence in their communication skills. When a child thinks creatively and indulges in problem-solving, they can articulate things better. Such clarity and self-expression can lead to improved understanding of others’ feelings as well. It may also enhance teamwork and better collaboration, which may further improve group dynamics.
Better Self Awareness
Practicing creative thinking can also help in self-reflection and understanding one's weaknesses. For instance, the regular process of exploration can lead to greater awareness as well as personal growth. Moreover, it may also help in the cultivation of a growth mindset where a child is relentlessly committed to improving themself.
Conclusion
Being creative is a very important part of a child's life as it drives innovation and fosters cognitive growth. It may also improve a child's interpersonal and social relationships. By understanding the scientific reasoning behind creative thinking and its importance, parents can navigate challenges and provide critical support to their child.