Heidi Klum says her kids are her biggest inspiration.

The German supermodel, who has four children, Leni, nine, Henry, seven, Johan, six and Lou, three, with her ex-husband Seal, tries to encourage all of them to be creative in their own way.

She said: ''I think kids need to get their hands dirty - to paint, sculpt, create - in order to express themselves. As adults we're told we need to colour inside the lines, but I don't think you should ever tell a child that. Let them scribble-scrabble like crazy and see what comes out.''

She added: ''Creativity is about trying something new. We went to a French restaurant and I wanted the kids to try escargot. They went, 'Ew, icky!' But they all tried it. I think that says a lot about having an open mind.''

The 'America's Got Talent' judge also told the October issue of Parents magazine that her children are very fashion conscious and it has helped her look at her own style differently.

She said: ''Henry will wear a T-shirt with no collar with a bow tie. At first I thought, 'That's odd!' Then I thought, 'I quite like that!'

''Leni is all about comfort. Even if it's the cutest print, she won't wear it if it's itchy ... So they've inspired me to use bright colours, mix patterns, and use yummy fabrics that are soft.''