Submitted by Tonya, Austin  TX

How can we foster creativity at home, especially during the summer break?

Answered by Jacque Grillo , Director, Lone Mountain Children's Center

In order for a child's unique creative expression to burst forth from imagination, there needs to be a quiet space and times not impacted by the usual bombardment of media and electronic stimulation. Be sure that your child has the space and time to imagine and create. This often means doing less, not over-programming, shutting off the television, cds, computer, music player. Create a quiet and stimulation-free zone and watch how from that serene place your child's natural inclination to pretend and create flourishes.

Be sure your child has a space somewhere in your home for art and tactile exploration and for getting messy. For your preschooler this means finger-painting and easel painting, sand and water play, and lots of opportunity for a direct tactile exploration of colors and textures. Everything should be big: big paper, large chunky brushes and crayons and markers -- just right for a young child's small hands and developing small muscle control. This will need to be a place where messes are okay and even encouraged. Remember, it's the process that's important, not the product.