Creativity: the skill children need more than ever in the age of AI

We all know that every discovery, invention, and innovation we benefit from today began with human creativity. But not many of us know that creativity is a skill that can be developed. Like reading, writing, or problem-solving, creativity grows stronger when children practise it often.

 Why is creativity skills are more important in the age of AI

Best-selling author, Daniel Pink, argues that the future will increasingly reward “right-brain” strengths such as creativity, empathy, and big-picture thinking. In today’s world, that idea feels even more relevant. As artificial intelligence continues to develop, many tasks that depend mainly on repetition, routine, and information recall can be done faster by machines. What remains deeply human is the ability to imagine, create, connect ideas, and think in new ways. It is a whole-brain future — where knowledge still matters, but creativity matters more than ever.

Why is creativity becoming harder to develop in children these days?

Schools are placing increasing pressure on tests, exams, and academic results. While academic learning is important, heavy emphasis on memorisation and strict rules and class structures can sometimes leave less room for imagination, curiosity, and original thinking.

Our children now have constant access to ideas and resources. This can be incredibly useful — but it can also reduce original thinking. Because instead of experimenting, making mistakes, and trying again, it is often easier to search for instant answers. Rather than taking time to create a picture from imagination, many children may first look on Instagram for inspiration. The result may be quick, but the creative process becomes shorter.

Creativity also needs space and a calm and restful mind. It often grows during moments of wandering, daydreaming, and quiet reflection. Yet many children today live with packed schedules. Between school, homework, activities, and screen time, there is very little room left for boredom — and boredom is often where creativity begins. Moreover, children are constantly on screens, thinking about what to watch, what to post, or how to fit in, their minds rarely have the stillness needed for ideas to grow.

How can we help children become more creative?

Give them time to think.
Children do not always need the model answer straight away. Sometimes the best learning happens when they wrestle with an idea, make mistakes, and work things out for themselves.

Protect unstructured time.
Make sure children have time to rest, daydream, wander in thought, and even feel bored. Those quiet spaces often give birth to the best ideas.

Do not rush to fill every moment.
A packed schedule may look productive, but creativity often needs pauses.

Encourage play.
Playing with other children naturally sparks imagination, problem-solving, and new ideas.

Invite them to try new things.
Cook a new dish. Rearrange their routine. Find a different way to solve the same problem. Small changes help children think flexibly.

Give them limited resources.
Creativity often grows under constraints. When children do not have everything provided for them, they begin to invent, adapt, and imagine.