In focus: Creative thinking and adaptability
Creative thinking helps children imagine alternatives, explore possibilities and adapt when situations change. In a future shaped by AI, this ability becomes even more valuable because many problems will not have fixed paths or predictable outcomes. Humans who can imagine “what else could be true” will be better equipped to work creatively, make sense of uncertainty and shape new ideas rather than simply follow instructions.
Parent primer
This activity works best when you welcome ideas that feel silly, unrealistic or unexpected. There is no need to steer the story toward logic or lessons. Try not to correct plot holes or outcomes. Your role is to encourage possibilities, build on their ideas and show that imagination is something to be explored, not evaluated.
All you’ll need
A familiar story or fairy tale
How it works
- Choose a story your child already knows well.
- Start reading or retelling it together.
- Pause at a key moment in the story.
- Ask, “What if something different happened here?”
- Let your child describe how the story would change.
- Continue the story following their new direction.
- Pause again later and introduce another “What if” moment.
- Encourage them to add details characters or twists.
- Switch roles and let your child decide when to pause and ask “What if”.
What to notice
Your child confidently changing the direction of the story.
Ideas linking together rather than staying random.
Unexpected connections between characters or events.
Growing comfort with imagining outcomes that differ from the original story.
Extend the play
Act out the new story using toys or costumes.
Draw scenes from the altered version of the story.
Combine two different stories into one new “What if”.
Return to the same story on another day and change it in a new way.
Age modifiers
Ages 3-4: Keep pauses short and offer simple prompts like “What if the wolf was nice?”.
Ages 5-6: Encourage adding one new event or character at a time.
Ages 7-8: Explore cause and effect by asking what happens next and why.
Ages 9-10: Compare the original story to the new one and discuss differences.
Ages 11-12: Explore motivations and how small changes can lead to big outcomes.
Reflections for parents
It can feel tempting to guide stories toward familiar endings or meaningful lessons. This activity asks you to let go of that instinct. By allowing stories to wander, you give your child space to practice flexible thinking and creative problem-solving without fear of being wrong.
Why this works
Imaginative storytelling strengthens cognitive flexibility by encouraging children to explore alternatives and adapt narratives in real time. Research shows that pretend play and narrative variation support creative thinking and problem-solving when adults follow the child’s lead rather than directing outcomes.
Russ, S. W., & Wallace, C. E. (2013). Pretend play and creative processes. American Journal of Play, 6(1), 136–148.
Final takeaway
Learning to ask “What if?” helps children see that the world is full of possibilities. That mindset supports creativity, adaptability and confidence when facing new and uncertain situations.