At what age should creativity be fostered? 4 tips

Creativity is one of the most valuable skills we can foster in our children from a very young age. A common question among families is, "At what age should creativity be encouraged?" The truth is that stimulation can and should begin very early, even before the baby learns to speak or walk.

In this article, you will discover why the age to foster creativity can start from the first months of life, and we will give you 4 practical tips to stimulate your little one's imagination in a fun and safe way.

At what age should creativity be fostered in children? When is the best time?

A baby’s innate curiosity begins to manifest from their first weeks of life. Although we may not always notice it, every gesture or movement is a way of experimenting with their environment.

• From 0 to 1 year: The child explores through their senses. Everything they see, touch, and hear helps develop their ability to observe and imagine.

• From 1 to 3 years: During this stage, their brain is forming neural connections at a rapid pace. Play is the main tool to stimulate creativity, as they learn by trying, making mistakes, and discovering how the world works.

For this reason, the age to foster creativity does not have a single starting point, as each child evolves at their own pace. However, it is crucial for adults to begin stimulation as early as possible to make the most of their potential.

4 tips to boost creativity from an early age.

Here are four practical tips that will help your child express their creativity in a natural and fun way.

1. Offer freedom to explore.

Babies and toddlers learn through discovery.

• Let them crawl and walk in safe spaces where they can freely explore.

• Set up sensory corners with different textures, soft toys, and accessories that make gentle sounds. When they start crawling and become more fluid, we recommend a Montessori cube, or if your little one begins to stand up to walk, a walker to help them take their first steps.

• Allow them to touch everyday objects (always under supervision) so they can feel and hear different sensations.

The goal is for them to connect with their environment without fear, feeling supported but independent in their discoveries. This freedom awakens their creative side by allowing them to choose what and how to explore.

2. Encourage symbolic play and artistic expression.

Symbolic play appears early: your child might use a spoon as a microphone or turn a box into an imaginary car.

• Keep age-appropriate, safe materials on hand: finger paints, non-toxic playdough, thick crayons, or wooden toys that they can handle.

• Allow them to draw without expecting perfect artistic results. The idea is for them to enjoy the process and express their ideas.

• Practice "role play": for example, set up a little kitchen or a pretend store and let the child experiment in their own way.

These activities not only develop their creativity but also enhance language skills and problem-solving.

3. Share time for reading and music.

Literature and music are gateways to other worlds.

• Read illustrated stories with your child from a very young age. Even if they don't understand all the words, they will absorb the intonation and the magic of the stories.

• Accompany the story with different voices and gestures to make it more fun.

• Expose your baby to different music genres, from lullabies to more upbeat rhythms. You'll notice how they move to the beat or how they calm down when hearing soft melodies.

This exposure to reading and music enriches their vocabulary, auditory perception, and, of course, their ability to imagine and create.

4. Strengthen their imagination with questions and dialogue.

As your child grows, talking and asking open-ended questions is a great creative boost.

• Ask them: "What would happen if...?", "How do you imagine...?" or "Why do you think...?"

• Avoid correcting their ideas immediately; instead, explore possible answers and solutions together.

• Listen attentively to their ideas and validate them. Valuing their opinions will strengthen their confidence and encourage them to continue being creative.

The goal is to cultivate an atmosphere where the child feels free to express their thoughts and fantasies, without fear of being judged.

Although each child has their own learning pace, the earlier you start stimulating their curiosity and creativity, the greater the benefits for their overall development. Don’t be afraid to try different activities: the key is to observe your child, spend quality time together, and provide opportunities for them to discover the world in a safe and exciting way.

Remember that the age to foster creativity is not an exact number, but rather the moment you decide to provide an environment full of positive stimuli and freedom to explore.

We hope these tips help you boost your little one's creativity and allow you to enjoy each new discovery together!