Creativity is a dimension of mental development that is not easy measurable but which most parents certainly value in their child's development. Creativity can be triggered by stimulating children to think in different ways and come up with more than one answer to a challenge. This takes place in the classroom but certainly also at home.

• Offer an alternative for watching TV by giving a reading book that in some way matches the content of the TV programs or game computers.
• Talk about a 'hot topic' in the news. It will help your child to form his or her own opinion and to get used to expressing him- or herself.
• Help your child give her room a facelift. Clear out old clothes, toys, books, magazines and so on, and have a thorough clean-up. Rearrange all the furniture and put up some new posters. This may give them the feeling of involvement and responsibility for their own room.
• Support social contacts, by letting your child invite some friends to stay for a night. They can plan what to eat, and choose what to do.
• Let your child help cook the evening meal - under your supervision. Your child can plan the menu, help you shop and then help prepare. See the recipies part of this website for inspiration.
• Visit a concert - many theatres and arts centres have lunchtime performances in the weekend.
• Re-discover the local library: most libraries have more than only books. CD-ROMs, DVDs, audio cassettes are often available. A combination of books and multi-media content can make a weekend fly by.
• Go to a musuem or art gallery: they have lots to offer. To avoid boredom, agree with your child upfront to visit only a couple of rooms that you think your child would enjoy.