Why have today's children forgotten to dream?
- Furkan R.M.T BALCI
- Jan 20
- 4 min read
Introduction: Today's children and their ability to dream

Have today's children forgotten how to dream? This is a question that many parents ask themselves. Imagination promotes children's creative thinking skills and gives them freedom. However, factors such as technology, the educational system, social environment and the role of parents can affect children's ability to dream. In this blog post, we explore why children forget how to dream and how parents can fix it.
The Influence of Technology on Children

Digital devices limit the imagination
How do digital devices affect children's imagination? Tablets, smartphones and computers mean that children spend constant time in front of the screen. This situation leads to children settling for ready-made content instead of creating their own dream world. Excessive use of digital devices can weaken children's creative thinking skills.
Social media and instant gratification
How does social media encourage children's search for instant gratification? Likes, comments, and shares focus children's attention on short-term and superficial experiences. This can make it difficult to think deeply and dream. It's important to limit children's social media use to protect their ability to dream.
The Role of the Education System

Intensive curriculum and exam pressure
How does the education system affect children's ability to dream? An intensive curriculum and constant exam pressure can affect children's ability to think creatively and dream. Children who are focused on academic success also have to study in their free time and do not find enough time to dream.
lack of standardization and creativity
How does standardization in education limit children's individual creativity? Standard curricula can ignore children's diverse interests and abilities. Instead of activities that encourage creative thinking, educational methods based on memorization are preferred. This can limit children's imagination.
effects of the social environment

decline in safe playgrounds
How does the decline of safe playgrounds affect children's ability to dream? Children used to be able to play freely in the streets and use their imaginations. However, due to urbanization and safety concerns, the number of safe playgrounds for children has decreased. This makes it difficult for children to play outside and develop their imagination.
Structured Activities
How do structured activities limit children's opportunities for free play and imagination? Children spend a large amount of time in structured activities. Sports training, music lessons and language courses reduce children's free time. This prevents children from developing their own imagination.
role of parents

Overprotective approach
How does parental overprotectiveness limit children's ability to dream? Parents do their best to protect their children and raise them in the best possible way. However, an overprotectiveness approach can limit children's ability to think and dream for themselves. When children are constantly told what to do, they may find it difficult to use their own imagination.
time management and joint activities
How do parents who spend time with their children develop their children's imagination? Busy lives and the hustle and bustle of everyday life can prevent parents from spending enough time with their children. Shared activities and games stimulate children's imagination and strengthen the parents' bond with their children.
Ways to Develop Children's Imagination

Leisure and Play
How do leisure and play stimulate children's imagination? Children need leisure and play to develop their imagination. Parents should support their children's leisure time and give them the opportunity to develop their own games. Unstructured games stimulate children's creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Creative activities and art
How do creative activities and art stimulate children's imagination? Activities such as painting, sculpting and music allow children to create and express their own world. Parents can enhance their children's creative thinking skills by introducing them to such activities.
Nature and Discovery

How nature and exploration stimulate children's imagination. Nature is an endless field of discovery for children. Being in nature stimulates children's imagination and curiosity. Parents should take their children hiking and camping and help them explore nature.
Reading and Storytelling
How reading and storytelling stimulate children's imagination Books are an excellent tool for children to develop their imagination. Parents should read books and tell stories to their children regularly. Developing the habit of reading expands children's vocabulary and enriches their imagination.
limiting the use of technology
How does limiting excessive use of digital devices protect children's ability to dream? Parents should set specific screen times for their children and encourage them to engage in active play and creative activities outside of these times. Limiting technology use can help children develop their imagination.
Positive feedback and support
How positive feedback and support boost children's imagination It is important to give positive feedback to boost children's imagination and creativity. Parents should value and encourage their children's dreams. This will help children to be confident and keep dreaming.
Conclusion: Promote children's imagination

There are many reasons why children today forget to dream. Excessive use of technology, intensive education system, structured activities and overprotective approach of parents are the main factors that limit the imagination of children. However, as parents, we can take steps to stimulate our children's imagination. We can encourage our children's imagination by providing them with leisure and play opportunities, introducing them to creative activities, helping them explore nature and instilling reading habits in them. Let us not forget that children who dream will be creative and successful individuals of the future.
With this article we wanted to offer practical suggestions on how to stimulate children's imagination, while seeking an answer to the question: "Why have today's children forgotten how to dream?" Let's work together to revive our children's imagination and contribute to their future success.
Comments