According to child psychology experts, nurturing your baby’s creativity and imagination is one of the most important things you can do as a parent. An active imagination is an important component of intelligence, allowing your child to become an original thinker. Many of today’s high-tech toys purport to be educational, but some old-fashioned toys actually do a better job at encouraging creativity. For example, building blocks are versatile toys that can be used for a variety of activities besides stacking, such as sorting by color.

Other ways to boost your child’s imagination are by encouraging free play and make-believe. Repurpose everyday items for playthings, such as socks that have been made into puppets and bean bags made from dried beans. Planning a variety of fun outings is another way to encourage your child’s imagination. Perhaps most important of all, don’t rely too much on TV and other electronics as a way to keep your child entertained.