Raising makers in a world of takers

In an age obsessed with consuming, what does it look like to raise children who create, contribute, and reflect the God who made them?

It's a question I often ask myself as a parent. Screens, apps, videos, social media feeds—our children (and honestly, we too) can spend hours simply absorbing. And while learning and entertainment are good, does all this consumption leave space for something more—for creation, for contribution, for the joy of shaping the world rather than only receiving from it?

Musician Jarvis Cocker once put it like this: ‘Human beings aren't meant to be solely consumers—eventually, something has to come out.’

Parents of babies may be vividly imagining the wonderful world of nappy changes. But Jarvis isn’t talking about that. He explains:

The idea behind watching things and listening to things is that it stirs something within you, and hopefully that will stimulate you to then create your own thing.

I love this because it shows that consuming fills us up, but creating lets something real come out.

And if the frontman of a secular Britpop band can grasp this, how much more should Christians, created in the image of our Creator God? If that's true on a human level, how much more in a spiritual sense? Even the knowledge of God is meant to overflow into something creative: praise.

That overflow is part of who we are. From the opening lines of Genesis, we meet a God who delights in making, shaping and bringing life into being. If we are made in his image, then the impulse to create isn't just a hobby or an optional extra—it's part of our spiritual DNA. Creativity is God's gift, meant to be practised, enjoyed and shared.

Why creativity matters for our families

Early in my parenting journey, I noticed how easily my children were mesmerised by screens. The endless cycle of apps, shows and games was convenient, but I began to wonder: were these moments building imagination—or just filling time?

One evening, Lauren and I experimented with a bedtime routine we called ‘story from my mind’. I would ask our children for three things: a person, a place and a problem. From those prompts, a story would unfold. Often chaotic, interrupted by laughter, questions or the inevitable trip to the bathroom, these stories weren't perfect—but they were alive. And the children weren't just listening—they were shaping the story with me, imagining outcomes, adding details, even correcting my ‘mistakes’. Eventually, one of these stories became The Forgetful Prince, a book that I wrote and my wife illustrated. But at the time, creativity had become collaborative, playful and deeply formative. My children began to see that their ideas mattered and that imagination wasn't a distant skill—it was part of who they were.

There's a moment when children stop just absorbing stories and start imagining their own. That shift is worth noticing—and nurturing.

Practical ways to nurture creativity

Fostering creativity doesn't require expensive tools or elaborate plans. Even small, everyday moments can become opportunities for imaginative growth.

Storytelling together

You don't need to be a professional writer. Try the ‘story from my mind’ activity, or improvise stories during car rides, bath time, or over dinner. Record them, write them down, or illustrate them if you like. The goal isn't perfection—it's participation. And remember, your kids love you and they love listening to your voice.

Use technology creatively

Screens aren't enemies; they're tools. Stop-motion videos, digital drawings, or simple homemade films can turn an idea into something tangible. Encouraging kids to make with technology can be far more valuable than simply letting them consume it—or banning it.

Art and craft projects

Drawing, painting, building LEGO worlds or crafting puppets—let children explore ideas and emotions in a tactile way. If you don't know where to start, our website has many creative ways for families to engage with the story of The Forgetful Prince (more details below).

Music and rhythm

Singing, clapping, drumming or improvising melodies help children engage creatively and expressively. When you sing a children's song, like our song ‘Never Forget’ [link], try adding your own verse, or better yet, make up a brand‑new song together. Music becomes a playful way to reinforce identity, memory and imagination.

Everyday creation

Creativity isn't confined to arts and crafts. Cooking, gardening, building forts, inventing family games, outdoor play—even tidying up in imaginative ways like Mary Poppins did—are all acts of creation.

In his book The Problem of Pain, CS Lewis reminds us:

We are, not metaphorically but in very truth, a divine work of art. The least of us is made to reflect the mind of God.

So why not let children see that their fingerprints, their choices, and even their laughter are part of reflecting their Creator?

*Promote 'The Forgetful Prince' here*

Creativity as a spiritual practice

If what we have explored so far is true, then being creative is more than an activity; it's a spiritual rhythm. But not everything we create must be a theological masterpiece. As Francis Schaeffer wrote in Art and the Bible:

A Christian artist does not need to be constantly reducing everything to an evangelistic tract ... the Christian is called upon to be an artist in the larger sense—to live out his whole life as a creative act.

In other words, our creativity doesn't always need to preach. It can celebrate the ordinary, the beautiful, and even the messy. A simple drawing, a puppet show, a short song or even a breakfast pancake decorated with fruit in the shape of a funny face, can reflect the wonders of God's world. Every act of imagination, when done with care and with a heart tuned toward God, mirrors the Creator.

Through these everyday exercises, children learn that they have ideas, influence and agency. They experience God's image in themselves. And as parents, we model patience, curiosity, beauty and joy. All qualities that mirror the character of God.

Creativity isn't about perfection

A common worry for parents is, ‘I'm not artistic—how can I teach creativity?’ The truth is, creativity isn't reserved for professionals. Every person made in God's image is equipped to create. Creativity is not merely a talent. It is a way of life—a posture of the heart, carried quietly into the rhythms of every day.

It shows up in cooking a meal with care, tending a garden, crafting our words to encourage others, or even whistling while you work— just as Disney once encouraged us to do.

Likewise, children don't need to produce perfect drawings or polished performances. What matters is engagement, experimentation and joy. These are the experiences that leave lasting impressions and shape the positive memories children will carry with them through life.

Engaging children with free creative resources

As I mentioned The Forgetful Prince website offers a trove of free tools to make the creative process easier. Children can:

• colour in Lauren's illustrations, exploring character and story visually
• create paper or felt finger puppets, turning imagination into performance
• sing ‘Never Forget’, developing rhythm, memory and creative confidence
• use the story resource book to guide their own storytelling adventures.

A closing reflection

In a world dominated by consumption, choosing to create is quietly revolutionary. When we make stories, art, music or even playful moments, we reflect God's image. We show our children that their ideas matter, that they have something to give back, and that contributing to the world is a joy in itself.

Creation is not only God's past work—it's his ongoing invitation for us to shape, arrange, and bring beauty from what he has already given. And as parents, we have the privilege of inviting children into a world of imagination, helping them discover that they are beloved, capable, and creative in ways that mirror the God who made them.

So, I'll leave you with these questions to carry into your home today: How might your family's creativity reflect the God who made you? What could you make together that only you can? And how might you leave the world even more beautiful than before through the creativity you share with others?

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Matt Redmond is the author of The Forgetful Prince and his wife, Lauren, is the illustrator. Together, they are navigating the beautiful, messy journey of raising kids. With a heart for storytelling and a passion for faith, they hope to inspire other families to cultivate deep, meaningful relationships in creative ways. Connect with them and read more about The Forgetful Prince through their website.

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