How to Increase Creativity With Kids' Games

Let the kids dress up as their favorite characters from a favorite game as they play it. If they love Candyland, for example, build outfits to help them look like Princess Frostine or King Kandy. Also encourage them to act in the spirit of the characters and talk in their voices as the game proceeds. (See Resources)

Ask your kids to tell you a "what happens next" story after you play a favorite game. After a round of Operation, for example, let them tell you how the patient survives without his "butterflies in the stomach" or "funny bone."

Allow them to devise new rules to old games, then teach you the new objectives, restrictions and strategies. Have them create different uses for Memory Match cards, plastic bowling pins or a Bingo set, for example.

Help them devise creative solutions when working on puzzles or video games to improve their skill and versatility. If your child typically puts the main image in a jigsaw puzzle together first, for instance, teach her how to find and assemble the edge pieces instead.

Foster kids' imagination by giving them ordinary items and asking them to devise a game the entire family can play on game night. See what they can develop with a group of objects like foam balls or darts, baskets, cups, pipe cleaners, plastic spoons and socks.