There are many benefits to creative play. It can build confidence, develop problem-solving skills, and let’s not forget, it’s fun! Yet creative play can often be a very different experience for boys and girls.
To learn more about this, we conducted a global research study of more than 61,500 parents and children to explore the impact of language on creativity. You can read the full study and learn more by downloading the PDF below.
We found that parents often encourage boys more than girls to engage with building and STEM toys, and that 81% of parents say they are more likely to buy building toys for boys.
This could explain why boys are more likely to play with building toys compared to girls. For example, 71% of boys say they play with toys which involve STEM, compared to 64% of girls.
This can have an impact on children’s confidence, skills development and career interests.
So, to help you make a more equal world of play and opportunity, here are our top tips for inspiring creativity in girls.
Girls often feel the need to be perfect, but this can be limiting on the choices they make.
According to children, being asked about the creative process behind their idea or creation makes 86% of them feel less worried about making mistakes.
So, try to cheer on their progress at all times, rather than simply assessing the outcome.
Failing teaches us to correct ourselves and it builds resilience. So, if your girl makes a mistake, remind her that everyone does it and there’s nothing wrong with it, and then work with her to find a new solution.
Girls frequently experience having themselves and their work described as cute or pretty (while boys get called clever and brave).
In our study, 81% of children said that the words used by adults about their ideas affect how they feel about being creative.
So, it’s important that we consider the words we use and ensure that we’re praising ingenuity and ability, as well as appearance.
We can all lose our cool when things don’t go our way, but dealing with frustration is an important skill for children and adults. If your girl is starting to get a little frustrated, teach her to pause, recognize her feelings and deescalate them. Then, when she’s a little calmer, the play can continue.
It’s surprising how quickly kids can start to limit themselves. For example, 79% of girls say they are good at building things, whilst 86% of boys say the same. This self-talk is important, so be sure to remind your girls that learning is a process, and just because you can’t do something right now, doesn’t mean you will not be able to learn to do it in the future.
We all love praising our kids and we definitely don’t want you to stop. But there can be a subtle harm in praise that creates pressure. Instead of praising outcomes, try to praise the way your girl deals with the process. This will remind them that their attitude towards something is just as important as the end result.
91% of parents said that play builds stronger family bonds, facilitates better communication and makes family memories that will impact their children throughout life. While it might feel like play is taking time away from more important learning or developmental activities, actually (if it’s done well) play could be your child’s superpower.
Role models are important, and you can help your child by introducing them to role models that you think might suit their interests. Discuss what it is they like about certain people, and how they could exhibit those behaviors themselves. Remember, role models don’t have to be famous; it could be a friend, teacher or relative.
Perhaps the best way to show your kids the benefit of creative play is to demonstrate it in your own life. Your ability to deal with frustration and your bravery in trying new things is likely to rub off on your kids. It’s worth mentioning here that this might be different for mums and dads. Our study shows that 97% of dads and 96% of mums say they build in their daily life, but only 57% of mums say they are good at building things, compared to 68% of dads. So it’s worth making sure you’re celebrating yourself.
Like the height markings on a child’s bedroom wall, it’s great to see how you’ve grown. Why not think about creating other markers of growth? You might write down how long it takes them to build a set one year and see if they do it quicker the next year?
We’re committed to building a better world of play for all girls, helping them develop the confidence to generate ideas, solve problems and have fun. Hopefully, this list will help you to think more about how to approach creative play and small shifts that you can make to help nurture your girl’s creativity. There are more resources and insights on LEGO® Girls Unstoppable.
