Through the Eyes of Maya: Childhood Creativity, Digital Worlds & Simple Wisdom

Every now and then, I meet someone whose perspective makes me stop and smile, not because they’ve studied the world, but because they see it with fresh, innocent eyes. That’s exactly what happened in my conversation with Maya, a young, multi-talented artist who reminded me that kids often have more to teach us than we realize.

Childhood Creativity and the Meaning of Art

When I asked Maya what she wanted to be when she grows up, she didn’t hesitate: an artist. She loves coloring princesses and getting lost in her imagination. What really stood out, though, was her view of art ownership. While the world is buzzing about NFTs and online marketplaces, Maya told me she’d rather keep her creations private. For her, art is about joy and expression ,not selling.

Roblox, the Metaverse, and Choosing Reality

We then ventured into the digital world. I introduced her to the metaverse, describing it as a virtual space much like Roblox, which she already knows well. Many people are drawn to spending more time in these virtual universes. But Maya’s answer was simple and powerful: she’d rather spend time with her family in the real world. That perspective reminded me that, at our core, human connection still beats pixels and avatars.

Money Through a Child’s Eyes

The conversation took a fun twist into economics. I asked Maya how much she thought bananas, coffee, and even houses cost. Her guesses were innocent and hilarious, but also surprisingly insightful. It showed me that even complex topics like inflation and national debt can be made accessible when you break them down simply.

Conflict Through the Lens of Fairness

We also touched on something heavier: the Russia-Ukraine war. To make sense of it, I framed it as bullying. Maya’s response was filled with empathy. She advised the bully to stop and warned of consequences if they didn’t. That moment reminded me that children often understand justice and fairness more clearly than adults.

Family Humor and Who Really Rules

Of course, we ended with laughter. In true family style, we debated who really rules the household. Maya’s playful personality came through, proving to me that humor is just as important as wisdom in shaping how kids see themselves and the world around them.

Final Thoughts

Maya’s perspective reminded me of something powerful: wisdom doesn’t always come with age. Sometimes, kids cut through the noise with a clarity that we, as adults, tend to overlook.

By listening more to the Mayas of the world, I believe we can approach creativity, technology, and even conflict with more humanity.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 - Why is art important for child development?

Art helps kids express emotions, build confidence, and improve motor skills. It’s not just about painting or coloring it teaches problem-solving, imagination, and storytelling. More importantly, it gives children a safe space to explore who they are.

2 - How can parents encourage creativity in children?

Parents can encourage creativity by giving kids open-ended activities like drawing, storytelling, or building with blocks. The key is letting them explore freely without pressure to be perfect. Encouragement, praise, and exposure to different experiences help creativity thrive.

3 - How can I boost my child’s creativity at home?

Encourage curiosity by giving kids open-ended toys, art supplies, or time to explore nature. Avoid over-scheduling and let them play freely. Creativity grows best when children feel safe to imagine, experiment, and even make mistakes without judgment.

4 - How can technology support children’s learning?

Technology can make learning fun and interactive through educational apps, videos, and games. It helps kids explore subjects in new ways. But it works best when balanced with offline experiences like reading, outdoor play, and creative activities.

5 - What role does humor play in child development?

Humor builds social bonds, boosts resilience, and makes learning enjoyable. Jokes, playful debates, and laughter help kids feel safe to express themselves. It’s not just fun, it’s an important way to nurture confidence and communication skills.

About the Author:

Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized disruption strategist and keynote speaker who helps organizations adapt to change and leverage disruptive thinking. Named one of the "Best New Speakers" by the National Speakers Bureau, Shawn has spoken at some of the world's most innovative organizations, including IBM, Walmart, and 3M. His expertise in digital disruption strategies helps leaders navigate transformation and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain business environment.