Parenting Today
Do your kids always ask for new products? Constantly complain about obstacles at home? Notice where something could work more efficiently? Have fun building and experimenting with recycled materials?
If these sound like the conversations or interests that constantly pop up in your household, try giving your kids the ultimate fun challenge this weekend: Task them with using household items to invent a new “product” that solves a hypothetical problem.
Not only will they have fun making their prototype and showing off their talents, but they’ll build key skills necessary for childhood development. A product doesn’t have to be real for kids to benefit from the invention process!
Project Invention Step-by-Step
Here’s how to set your creatively-minded kiddo on the path to creation this weekend.
Identify a Need
The first step is to have them identify a need. Encourage your kids to choose their own invention rather than asking others for ideas; they’ll be more motivated if they tackle a personal goal!
Here are a few invention ideas that might address common problems:
- Dishwasher loader
- Dog feeding reminder
- Homework helper
- Mosquito detector
- Lost LEGO beacon
Your kid’s concept could be something that’s actually possible, but often, the most exciting invention projects are purely whimsical and fun.
Map Out Creation Steps
After they’ve chosen a problem to solve, ask your kids to map out the steps to creation. What do they think needs to happen? What current ideas do they have?
This step is less about precision and more about encouraging big-picture thinking.
Gather Supplies
After they’ve mapped out a process, it’s time for kids to start creating!
Let them use recycled materials (cardboard boxes, paper towel tubes, plastic jugs, etc.), digital images, and items from nature to build a prototype.
If they have big ambitions, explain that a smaller prototype or even a blueprint drawing is an option.
Test-Run a Presentation
Explain to your kids that creating their prototype product is only part of the project. After it’s built, they’ll need to give a presentation and explain their project to the audience.
Have them answer questions like:
- Why did you create this product? Do you have a good story to go along with the idea?
- How does the product work? If it were a real, full-size piece of equipment, what would we see it doing?
- Who is your primary customer for the product? How would you market it?
Practicing their presentation without an audience will help build kids’ confidence before the actual reveal.
Key Project Skills
While this project might seem straightforward on the surface, it actually helps kids build and reinforce several key skills that develop during childhood and early adolescence.
Flexible Thinking
The ability to think “outside the box” is what adults call flexible thinking.
During several developmental stages in childhood and adolescence, kids can be rigid thinkers. They see linear connections, clear right-versus-wrong distinctions, and universal expectations.
Developing a project that requires creative thinking pushes kids into the realm of flexible thinking, a skill that will become invaluable in adulthood.
Self-Confidence
Believe it or not, being creative can boost kids’ confidence; research even suggests they notice this connection.
Because confidence must be built, not memorized, it’s critical to give kids the opportunity to engage in creative activities. Taking risks, working through obstacles, and coming out the other side (mostly) successfully is a pattern that will build self-esteem, self-reliance, and self-confidence.
Cause and Effect
Identifying a problem and brainstorming potential solutions is a great, practical lesson in cause and effect. As they imagine ways to overcome an obstacle, kids must understand and experiment with sequential actions, unintended consequences, and alternative paths.
Gross and Fine Motor Skills
Throughout adolescence, kids need opportunities to refine their motor movements. The chance to tackle intricate and creative projects presents them with challenges they won’t encounter in everyday tasks.
Logical and Persuasive Expression
Explaining our thoughts and opinions is a skill that takes practice, especially when we’re speaking to diverse audiences. This project requires kids to translate what’s in their heads into meaningful conversation.
They’ll also practice anticipating others’ questions and defending their opinions in front of a (small) audience.
The Big Reveal!
After all the creating and skill-building, it’s time to enjoy the end result!
Set up an official presentation area and take inventor and project pictures. Prepare a few questions ahead of time that you and other adults will ask, and leave opportunities for follow-up discussions.
By giving your kids this opportunity to do some creative, low-stakes problem-solving and practice their persuasive speaking abilities, you’ll help them not only beat weekend boredom but also develop critical skills.
