In the whirlwind of homework, extracurriculars and digital distractions, creativity can sometimes take a back seat. But imagination doesn’t need hours to thrive; often it just needs five minutes.

Creative thinking is more than painting or performing; it builds confidence, problem-solving, empathy and emotional expression. Even brief moments of creative play can help young people process their thoughts, reduce stress and spark joy. In our fast-paced world, giving space for imagination can be a powerful gift.

“What if…” questions

Try asking your child a playful hypothetical: “What if trees could talk?” or “What if the kitchen table could teleport?” Let the imagination run wild and join in. It’s a great way to encourage storytelling and creative problem-solving.

The Scribble Game

Draw a quick squiggle and pass it to your child to turn into something — a robot, a sea creature or a silly character. It’s quick, fun and great for visual thinking.

One-song Listening Challenge

Play a song from a different genre or decade and ask, “What kind of scene or character do you imagine with this music?” It’s a fun way to build emotional awareness and storytelling through sound.

One-minute Doodle

Set a timer and let them draw anything, no rules, no erasing. This encourages self-expression and helps ease the pressure of being “perfect” on the first try.

Object Reimagined

Pick any household item (a whisk, a sock, a pen) and ask: “What else could this be?” A wand? A creature’s antenna? A gadget from the future? This boosts creative thinking and encourages lateral problem-solving.

Encouraging moments like these doesn’t just help your child be creative — it helps them think more flexibly, feel more confident and build a stronger sense of self. You don’t need art supplies — just curiosity, a little silliness and a willingness to wonder out loud.

In the bigger picture, these little creative moments help fuel larger successes. At JPC we don’t just make art; we make space for creativity in all its forms. Nurturing imagination isn’t just about producing a performance or a painting; it’s about helping young people thrive.

Sarah Smith
The Arts Coordinator