Part III: Creative thinking and problem solving

Gifted children see the world differently than other children, and their idea of a bird's eye view is often different from the norm. They view situations from different perspectives and, as a result, they show creative thinking, creative problem solving techniques, and a unique sense of humor. Sometimes, these unique viewpoints create imaginative results or different ways of doing things. Other times, they lead to what some see as rebellion when gifted children do things differently or do not take the path others take. They may fail to follow directions because they "know" their way is better; they may take the proverbial road less traveled.

Gifted children are often creative problem solvers who take pride in doing things their own way. Difficult problems present a challenge to such children, and they may work persistently to solve them. More than one gifted child has awakened Mom or Dad to ask them to go to the store in the wee hours of the morning to pick up that "one last gadget" that can make the science project "perfect" (even though the project is not due until the following week and will undoubtedly undergo more changes in the coming days that will make it even more "perfect").

A gifted child may view the world from an adult perspective. They can see problems (and, sometimes solutions) where others are not even looking. However, it is not only problems that they notice with their keen observational skills. They notice fallacies, inconsistencies, and anomalies. For example, one youngster asked me if I noticed that, in movies, when the hero is shot, he is frequently shot in the left arm so that his right arm is free to shake hands when he accepts congratulations. Gifted kids will notice things like this, things that many others do not notice or even care about.

Seeing possibilities that others do not see can be helpful. If the world is going to change, it will be as a result of those who can see how things could be, might be, but will not be unless someone is willing to do something about it. The Thomas Edisons and Benjamin Franklins of the world used differing viewpoints to actively pursue change by taking unconventional or non-traditional paths to find not just a different way, but also a better way. Unfortunately, a negative aspect of this trait appears when these creative problem solvers cannot change the things they know need changing. This can weigh heavily on a young child's mind, and they sometimes feel out of control. For certain kids, feelings of helplessness and hopelessness arise, creating depression.

Gifted kids' creative problem solving likely stems from their divergent thinking and ability to view things differently. One way that this different perspective presents itself in everyday life is through humor-often a very unique sense of humor. Many have noticed and remarked upon this aspect of the gifted child. Among other places, the Internet seems to have become an outlet for perpetuating some of this humor. Some time ago, I received an e-mail message with subject heading "Hmmmmm…." It had been forwarded so many times that I was unable to determine its origin. The message contained a series of questions, actually one-liners, undoubtedly thought up by those who view life from a different perspective than many others. Many of you have seen or heard these by now, but I am sure that gifted children (and adults) have probably whiled away hours pondering and creatively trying to "solve problems" like these:

• Why is abbreviation such a long word?
• What was the best thing before sliced bread?
• How did a fool and his money get together?
• Why doesn't glue stick to the inside of the bottle?
• If a parsley farmer is sued, can they garnish his wages?
• Why isn't "phonetic" spelled the way it sounds?

These questions, and others you have seen or heard, combine three typical characteristics of gifted children: a different perspective, creative thinking, and a unique sense of humor. Unfortunately, this unusual sense of humor can alienate children at young ages when their peers do not understand it. At older ages, the humor can be somewhat cynical in nature, and this cynicism and sarcasm can create rifts between peers when it is misunderstood.

You can help foster creative thinking if you:

• Remember that taking an atypical perspective may make a gifted child feel different from others. Although they may recognize that they are different, they may not be aware of how or why they are different. Gifted children need help recognizing, accepting, and valuing these differences.
• Provide empathy and support as gifted children realize and come to accept their differences.
• Support a child's interests and love his or her differences.
• Value innovation, creativity, and giftedness.
• Develop an atmosphere of understanding and acceptance.
• Use brainstorming techniques to foster creative thinking and problem solving.
• Remember that laughter and humor are an important part of life, and some enjoyment and leisure are necessary to decrease the stresses of everyday life. However, also help gifted children understand how humor can hurt and that jokes or sarcasm at the expense of others' feelings will inevitably create difficulties in relationships.

Dr. Edward R. Amend, of Amend Psychological Services, PSC, is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in evaluation and counseling of gifted and talented children and their families.

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Last update: 8/14/2006 11:12:04 AM