How can a parent spark creativity in a child who says they are “not artistic” or “bad at crafts”? 

Parenting Perspective 

When a child says, ‘I am not creative,’ it is rarely a statement about their actual ability. It is usually an expression of a fear of failure or of not being “good enough.” The key to unlocking their creativity is to create a safe, pressure-free environment where the process is celebrated more than the final product. 

Focus on Process, Not a Perfect Outcome 

Shift the goal from making something “beautiful” to simply exploring and having fun. Choose open-ended activities where there is no right or wrong result, such as finger painting, building with cardboard boxes, or creating collages from old magazines. Use encouraging language like, ‘Let us just play with the colours and see what happens’. This removes the anxiety of trying to achieve a perfect result. 

Create a ‘No-Mistake’ Creative Zone 

Set up a dedicated space where mess and experimentation are not just allowed, but encouraged. Praise your child’s effort, ideas, and curiosity instead of their technical skill. Simple phrases like, ‘I love how you decided to mix those two colours!’ or ‘That is such an interesting idea!’ will teach them to associate creativity with freedom, not judgment. 

Model Playfulness and Joy 

Your own attitude is infectious. Sit down and create alongside your child, not to instruct them, but simply to enjoy the process yourself. When they see you laugh at your own lopsided clay animal or messy painting, they learn a powerful lesson: creativity is not about being perfect, it is about the joy of expression. 

By removing pressure and celebrating the act of trying, parents can gently reignite a child’s natural creative confidence, helping them understand that imagination is a skill everyone can grow. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that creativity reflects a divine gift and that the sincerity of our effort is what truly matters to Allah. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Hashar (59), Verse 24: 

‘He is Allah (Almighty), the Creator, the Planner of Evolution; the Original Designer…’ 

This verse reminds us that the origin of all creativity is Allah Himself, Al-Musawwir (The Fashioner). Every human being has been given a spark of this ability to imagine, invent, and create. Nurturing a child’s creativity is a beautiful way of showing gratitude for this divine gift. 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us that Allah loves sincere effort. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, 4807, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Allah loves that when any one of you does a job, he should perfect it.‘ 

In the context of a child’s art, this concept of “perfecting” it (itqan) is not about creating a flawless masterpiece. It is about the sincerity, effort, and heart they put into the process. This teaches a child that what is beloved to Allah is their willing and joyful effort, regardless of how the final product looks to others.