Fondly recounting childhood
memories of her creative upbringing,
Kirsten concurs. “We were always
encouraged to do everything and
anything. Emphasis was not placed
on just achieving greatness, but
on expressing oneself for greatness
through music, art, design, dance or
however we needed to. My father and
his three brothers all play musical
instruments and, at family gatherings,
everyone was encouraged to join in. It
wasn’t whether you had a ‘good voice’
or could ‘sing’; you just contributed.”
Stifling creativity
According to Julie, the Hong Kong
lifestyle often deprives children of
the time and space that they need
to explore and express their unique
creativity. “Some children are so used
to being told what to do, to being
entertained or to having every minute
of their day organised that they are at
a loss when they find themselves with
free time. They do not know how to
begin to play creatively and, hence,
their creative thought struggles to
develop,” she explains.
While Ginny believes that some
parents and schools may discourage
creativity because they are worried
about the mess it can create, Caroline
Williams, founder of baby boutique
Tiny Footprints, says that parents may
provide easy options such as television
and computers as entertainment for
their children, which can restrict a
child’s natural ability to play creatively
and “as they should.”
Inspiring creativity
According to Aarti, children are
naturally creative. While no one has
to teach children to play, draw or
create, they can be encouraged to
channel their creativity into creative
expression.
Julie advises, “Parents can provide
an environment that gives scope for
children to use objects creatively, in
a safe and protective space where
they feel secure in our presence as
we go about our own tasks and daily
We were always encouraged to do
everything and anything. Emphasis was
not placed on just achieving greatness,
but on expressing oneself for greatness
through music, art, design, dance or
however we needed to.
March 2013