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In one of Karen Stephens' Parenting Exchange articles, “20 Ways to Encourage Children's Resourcefulness and Creativity” she observes, “As children develop resourcefulness, they learn to trust their instincts and unique abilities. They acquire a positive attitude about problem solving. Resourceful children mature into confident and industrious people. Just as important, they tap into the multitude of joys life has to offer.”

Karen goes on to offer tips such as the following for encouraging resourcefulness and creativity curiosity and seeking answers.

• One of the best ways parents can respond to a child’s questions is by saying, “I don’t know. How could we find the answer?”

• Try motivating comments such as, “How interesting; you created a secret passage-way with the blocks,” or “The way you mixed different greens for leaves make your tree look very real.”

• Resist perfectionism. Don’t take over a child’s project because you can do it better or faster. Likewise, resist putting finishing touches on a child’s project to make it perfect. Respect the learning that takes place while a project is made. That process is more important than the final product.

• With practice, products improve.

• Facilitate play, don’t dictate it. Kids get a big boost from parents getting on the floor and really playing with them. During play follow your child’s lead. Play should be a dance between you, not a concert with you as sole conductor.

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