If there’s anything Highlights fans can learn from our BrainPlay feature this month is that it’s OK to be creative. Back in the day, when many jobs were based on repetitive tasks, creative thinking was undervalued. Not so anymore. In today’s economy, the winners are independent thinkers who can solve problems.

And that’s where BrainPlay comes in. Each month our carefully worded questions challenge kids to think outside the box to develop the confidence and skills they need to lead the next generation of independent thinkers. This month we asked kids what they can pick up with their feet, something they must have at a party, and what they wish they could do faster. See? It’s that easy. So check out page 6 of the January 2018 issue for more probing questions for future leaders, or find a downloadable version of BrainPlay here and give your kid a head start.