Creativity • Idea Generation • Parent Guide
Helping Your Child Master the Art of Brainstorming
Brainstorming is not just “think of a good idea.” Kids can learn specific habits that help them move past the first obvious answer and generate a wider range of possibilities.
Originally published July 25, 2024
Separate idea generation from idea judging
One of the fastest ways to stop a brainstorm is to evaluate every idea as soon as it appears. During the first phase, the goal is quantity and variety. Deciding which idea is practical comes later.
When a child says something unusual, try responding with “What else?” or “How could we build on that?” before asking whether the idea will work.
Set a quantity goal
A simple target such as “let’s come up with ten ideas” pushes children beyond the first two or three obvious answers. The later ideas are often more original because the easiest responses have already been used.
Change the question
If a child is stuck, the problem may be the prompt. Instead of “What should I build?” try questions such as:
- What would make this more fun?
- What would make it easier?
- What would surprise someone?
- What could we combine?
- What would happen if we made it tiny, huge, faster, slower, or backwards?
Use categories to force variety
Ask for one idea in several categories: a realistic idea, a funny idea, an idea for younger kids, an idea that uses technology, an idea that costs nothing, or an idea inspired by nature. Constraints can make creativity easier because they give the brain a direction.
Build on other ideas
Brainstorming does not require every idea to be completely independent. Encourage “Yes, and…” thinking: take one part of an existing idea and combine it with something else.
This works especially well in game design. A student might begin with “a racing game,” then add “but the track changes,” then “the player builds part of the track,” then “the track reacts to weather.” Each step transforms the original idea.
Try SCAMPER when ideas run out
SCAMPER gives children seven structured prompts—Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to Another Use, Eliminate, and Reverse. It is useful when an open-ended brainstorm feels too vague.
Try the Create2Discover SCAMPER activity.
Evaluate only after the list is large enough
Once the child has many possibilities, switch modes. Which ideas are most exciting? Which are possible with the time and tools available? Could two ideas be combined? What would be a good first prototype?
A useful parent phrase
Instead of “That won’t work,” try “What would have to be true for that idea to work?” The question preserves the creative momentum while still introducing practical thinking.
Brainstorming gets stronger with practice
Children become better idea generators when they repeatedly experience the full cycle: generate many ideas, select one, build or test it, learn from the result, and brainstorm again.