Creative play is great for developing children's imagination, social skills, and problem-solving abilities. By letting children play freely and create things that they want to make, you're increasing their confidence and helping them to express themselves. Try describing what you see and telling children the features that you like, rather than a generic 'well done'. Praising effort rather than result will be more motivating and will help children realise their potential.

Making a mess can be stressful for parents, but creative play is really beneficial for children's development and not all of these toys are messy! Creative play doesn't have to mean hours of tidying up afterwards - make the tidying up part of the game. The outdoors can be a wonderful place for creative play, and there are lots of opportunities for free play - from junk modelling to leaf rubbings.

Taking pride in their achievements is important for self esteem and crative play can be used to hep children express themselves freely. Make sure you praise the effort more then the end result - this will motivate the children and teach perseverence and concentration. Remember children's imagination is very active so try not to put your adult view onto their creations - if they say it's a boat, it's a boat!

Children need to express themselves and develop their own identity. Creative activities are a great way of encouraging this self-expression in safe, positive ways. For children really interested in creative arts, a trip to the museums and galleries near you can be really motivating. Clothes and bedroom decor become a part of children's developing identity and giving them the freedom to create their own looks a great way to let them express themselves.