As parents, we all want to raise resilient, resourceful kids who can conquer any challenge life throws their way. But in this age of Google and instant answers, how do we nurture that innovative spark? The kind that turns an empty feed bag into a makeshift sled for an epic backyard adventure?

I’ll never forget the day my daughter (who’s now grown) was determined to go sledding – despite our lack of actual sleds. I watched in amazement as she rummaged through our garage and barn, trying every random object as a potential ride. From old plywood to tarp “sails,” she cycled through failure after failure, undeterred in her quest for the perfect sled hack.

In the end, her frozen but grinning face told the tale as she slid down that snowy hill on nothing but her super slick jacket. Her creative problem-solving paid off in memory-making fun.

As parents, instilling that kind of persistent, innovative thinking is one of the greatest gifts we can give our kids. And it starts by creating an environment where creativity can truly thrive. The Harvard Graduate School of Education shares five key ingredients:

1. Asking Open-Ended Questions

2. Letting Kids Explore & Experiment  

3. Modeling Creative Behavior  

4. Celebrating Mistakes as Learned Lessons

5. Encouraging Out-of-the-Box Thinking

And when they inevitably fail in those attempts (like my daughter’s plywood disaster!), we celebrate the lessons learned versus lamenting the mess. As Stanford researchers show, a growth mindset that relishes mistakes is key to unlocking creative confidence.

Because here’s the thing – every improvised feed bag sled is just practice for bigger innovative problem-solving later in life, whether it’s tackling challenges in school, work, or just everyday survival!

So let’s embrace the joyful struggle alongside our kids. Model curiosity and persistent brainstorming of new approaches. Who knows what incredible solutions they’ll MacGyver together in that magical space of creative freedom?

Just like my kiddo’s unexpected sled solution still makes me smile, watching our children’s innovative spirits soar is one of parenting’s greatest thrills. Let’s nurture those problem-solving superpowers by giving them the tools and encouragement to amaze us – feed bags, jacket “sleds”, and all!