Kiddipedia
As parents, we all want our children to lead happy, productive lives and succeed in whatever they do. A key factor in achieving this is fostering creativity, a skill that helps them think outside the box and approach problems with innovation. But how can we encourage creativity in our tweens, especially when their attention is often dominated by screens and digital entertainment? In this post, we’ll explore 10 modern and effective ways to help ignite and nurture your tween’s creative spark in 2025.
1. Engage Them in Interactive Digital Play
While creative play with physical toys like LEGO or Meccano are great, we are all well aware tweens are often drawn to digital play. Consider exploring augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) apps that combine technology with creativity. For example, interactive games that involve building, storytelling, or designing can help bridge the gap between the digital world they love and creative thinking. Tools like the Imagination Colour + Draw Set also have digital counterparts, allowing them to switch between drawing on paper and engaging with creative apps.
2. Expose Them to Creative Digital Platforms
It’s no secret that tweens spend a lot of time on their phones or laptops. Why not turn this screen time into something creative? Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram allow tweens to create their own content, from music videos to short skits, DIY crafts, and digital art. You can also explore online art galleries, virtual museum tours, or even digital theatre productions. These platforms not only expose them to different artistic forms but also give them the tools to create and share their own work.
3. Enrol Your Tween in Digital Creative Classes
Online classes have become a staple of 2025 learning, and many creative platforms are offering courses in digital art, graphic design, video editing, or even game development. Websites like Skillshare and Udemy offer accessible classes in these fields, giving tweens the ability to hone their skills in areas like 3D modelling, animation, and music production. These courses not only inspire creativity but also teach valuable skills for the future.
4. Explore Nature with a Digital Twist
Nature walks and hikes are timeless, but to make them even more engaging, try incorporating digital tools. Apps like Seek by iNaturalist allow tweens to identify plants, animals, and insects while learning about biodiversity. Encourage them to document their outdoor adventures with photography or sketching, or even write short stories based on what they see. This modern twist on nature exploration merges technology and the natural world, fueling both curiosity and creativity.
5. Encourage Reading (and Interactive eBooks)
While physical books remain essential, interactive eBooks and audiobooks have become popular among today’s tweens. Interactive books with built-in puzzles or those that let readers choose the storyline can make reading more engaging. You might even set up a book-themed digital scavenger hunt where they explore different genres or themes through audiobooks or apps like Audible and Libby, combining creativity with literacy in a modern way.
6. Inspire Them to Write—Digitally or by Hand
For tweens who are into tech, there are many apps and online tools for writing stories or scripts. Platforms like Wattpad allow young writers to publish their work and get feedback from a global community. You can also encourage them to start a blog or a creative writing challenge using platforms like Medium or Tumblr or simply with word processing tools like Google Docs. For those who still love the tactile feel of pen and paper, try writing prompts or journal challenges to inspire their creativity.
7. Play Imaginative, Tech-Infused Games
Imaginative play has always been key to developing creativity. Today’s tweens love games that blend reality with imagination, such as Minecraft, Roblox, and Fortnite Creative Mode. These platforms allow them to design their own worlds, build structures, and tell stories within virtual environments. Whether they’re crafting a new level or scripting an in-game event, these games encourage problem-solving and creative thinking in ways that feel exciting and relevant to them.
8. Ask for Their Opinion (On Trending Topics)
Tweens today are highly aware of the world around them, especially when it comes to social media trends, pop culture, and global issues. Engage your tween in conversations about topics that interest them—whether it’s their favourite YouTuber, a trending TikTok challenge, or a social cause they care about. Asking for their opinion on these matters helps them think critically and creatively while also allowing them to feel heard and valued.
9. Give Them Freedom to Experiment with New Tech
Many tweens are interested in exploring new technologies, whether it’s 3D printing, drone photography, or learning how to use professional editing software. If your tween has expressed an interest in tech, encourage them to experiment. You can even explore robotics kits or coding tutorials that let them design and create new tech projects. Freedom to experiment with new technologies fosters creativity and can set the stage for future career interests.
10. Allow Your Tween to Take Risks—Creatively and Technologically
As tweens become more independent, they should be encouraged to take risks—not only in their personal lives but in their creative endeavors as well. If they want to try out a new social media platform, learn video editing, or enter an online art contest, let them go for it. The digital age is full of opportunities to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them. Mistakes are part of the creative process, and embracing them helps tweens become more confident in their creative decisions.
The Importance of Nurturing Creativity in Tweens
Creativity remains an essential skill for personal growth, problem-solving, and success in both academic and real-world contexts. In 2025, we’re seeing a world where technology is deeply integrated into daily life. By embracing this, parents can help their tweens navigate the digital world while fostering creativity through both traditional and modern outlets.
The tween years are crucial for self-discovery, and when parents foster a creative environment—whether through art, digital platforms, or outdoor exploration—they give their children the tools to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and artists. Whether they’re experimenting with virtual worlds, writing stories, or exploring the outdoors through technology, today’s tweens have the power to shape their creative futures.
In conclusion, supporting your tween’s creativity involves understanding their evolving interests and finding new ways to integrate technology and traditional methods. By doing so, you’ll empower them to think boldly, solve problems creatively, and embrace their unique identity.
