Creative invites

No one likes being sold to – least of all children. The more enthusiastic we are about an activity, the less interested they become.

A better tactic is to leave things out for them to discover. When it feels like their idea, curiosity kicks in and they’re much more likely to give it a try.

‘Creative invites’ are simple, open-ended setups that encourage imagination and independent thinking. They take almost no prep but can lead to great engagement. Tailor them to whatever your child is currently obsessed with, and they become even more enticing.

And if there’s a more structured activity you’re keen to try, just start doing it yourself. No invitation needed. Children are far more likely to join in when they see you having a go – because they copy what we do, not what we say.