Hive account@skum, that's exactly my point - "we parents may even be suppressing or discouraging it just by the act of not reinforcing creativity like we could." We often coddle our children more than we realize by homogenizing the very stories that let their imaginations soar. Fairy tales are stories children can naturally relate to. They encourage problem solving skills and show models of societal expectations that are encouraged and discouraged. Unfortunately, our education system is quick to label kids who think outside of the box and diagnoses/treatment plans are quickly implemented, often leading to medications that dull their creativity just to make them easier to manage in class. I'm glad this post inspired you. I'm thinking I might write more about this subject.