Imagination

Imagination: the ability to remember, dream, create, improvise and in the process entertain oneself anywhere and anytime.

Do we really need digital media to entertain a child, to trigger his imagination? When I look at children watching television, they're glancing at the screen, when you ask them something, they mostly don't answer, because they are too attracted to the screen. They are in a passive state, which doesn't trigger imagination, it's just following something (that can be very fantastical, but it doesn't trigger the child's own fantasy).

When you read a book to a child, the child can fantasize about the story, the story and the way it is read is imaging. There is no visual art that tells it all and if there are illustrations, these illustrations have a certain style that is loose and give children a certain handle for their imagination. The most important difference between books and films, is that children are in an active state during the reading of a book, they can use their imagination.


"A child can express his real self in imagination because the imagination is unmediated by anybody else's expectations or demands," says Alan Flashman MD, a child psychiatrist. "It's not imposed on him. It comes from within his inner life. Imagination is important because it integrates a child's feelings and dreams and actions. It's a place where a child can experiment and feel control and power. But we should respect the integrity and freedom of the experience rather than trying to quantify it as a utilitarian activity (what is the profit/utility of their activity)."

Beth Falk, PhD, explains: "Kids can become overwhelmed by their emotions but by using their imaginations, they can master their feelings. If a child is afraid of a monster, he can make up a story about hunting down the monster and scaring it and turning it into something else. He's found a way to transform it." (Kids are good problem solvers!)

Problem:
One way today's parents deny their children the opportunity to use their imaginations is by over-scheduling enrichment activities, lessons and tutors, and allowing a steady diet of TV. A return to some of the simpler activities of our own childhoods can pave the way to more imaginative freedom.

Reading stories is a wonderful way for a parent to imagine along with his kid because parents and children can respond to what they've just read. Spending unstructured time in nature can also evoke an imaginative response.

If you become involved in your child's imaginative play, be sure to let her take the lead. "One of the nice things about engaging with a child in fantasy play is that the child gets a chance to initiate, instead of following the parent's lead. But the parent has to be aware of the kid's borders. If the kid wants to share his fantasy, fine. But the parent shouldn't force an interaction," Flashman says.

"It can also be a lot of fun. Just last night, as I was driving home, my 13-year-old son informed me that the moths flying at our windshield were having a demonstration. We decided that they were demonstrating for more woolen clothes to eat. Our imaginative fantasy continued for the whole ride. We had a great time and sharing the fantasy made us feel closer."

Next time you see your child lost in a daydream or in an imaginative game of crashing cars, sit down next to him. You might just rediscover the lost part of yourself, the authentic self who engages with the world without premeditation or pretense and disguise. The self who dwells in fantasy without thought of utility or service. The free and authentic self who is content just to be.

This is actually why I like to design for children.


Children have no limits, they have imagination.

Children can be entertained and allowed to creatively express themselves with minimal expense. A few pieces of paper and crayons, a hand-made puppet, books (which can be purchased at yard sales or thrift shops), and a few animals can be enough for an entire afternoon of exploration. The benefits of imagination last long into adulthood, helping to develop creative and emotionally expressive individuals. Taking time to play is always an enriching experience.



What is imagination?

How can you trigger imagination?



Do I really want to design something digital?


http://www.wholefamily.com/grandparent-center/imagination-at-risk/nurturing-imagination
http://abby-deliz.suite101.com/the-top-toys-that-develop-imagination-a70357
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Imaginationkids <-lovely toys!