Helping a gifted child to foster a strong link between her intellectual prowess and her creative impulse is time well spent on her overall development. There are some methods which will help to enhance her ability to be creative, seek unique solutions to problems and use her creativity in productive ways. The earlier a parent can fan the creative sparks, the better.
Introducing New Concepts and Stimuli to the Gifted Child Enhances Creativity
Stimuli bombardment is certainly overwhelming and very frustrating for a young child who has not developed techniques for dealing with new things. A gradual, systematic and monitored introduction to new things is the best practice, particularly in the infant and toddler.
Learning toys that require manipulation are great for a very small child, but one toy at a time is the only way to keep her from being overwhelmed. A parent will get to know the signs of frustration and anxiety in the child and can remove these toys if needed.
Creativity needs to be fed. Using a variety of types of stimuli can unleash hidden abilities. Some kids will respond very well to music and will attempt to create their own songs, lyrics and may spontaneously develop an interest in a musical instrument. Others will be more visually oriented or tactile focused. Try paints, clay, sounds, interactive toys and games to trigger reactions from all the senses.
Give the Child the Time to Explore to Enhance Creativity
A gifted child may become so absorbed in a toy or a piece of music or other element that they will do nothing else for hours at a time but focus on one object. This is fine. Let them stay with the flow of their exploration as long as they want to pursue it. He is learning, working through things in his mind and discovering.
Conversely, if the parent sees signs that he is getting frustrated and is reacting to this, give him a break from the toy for a little while and reintroduce it later. He may solve the issue in his mind while he is away from the stimuli, as happens very often. Do not fix it for him or solve a problem for him. Let him figure it out by trial and error, systematic manipulation or via an "aha" moment.
Don't force the interaction with the interesting object or device. Be casual about his use of it even if the parent would like to see him solve the puzzle or come to some finishing point. In this case, it is what he wants that really counts, not what the parent wants him to do. No more than a casual encouragement is all that a observant parent should contribute.
Fostering Creativity in General
As anyone who has a creative job can attest, attempting to be creative when the impulse is uncooperative is a losing proposition. Creativity can be an elusive phenomenon. The mechanisms in the brain that contribute to the creative drive are complex and often fickle, not performing on command.
Using music, relaxation, exercise or movement can sometimes stimulate a creative impulse. A brain in the flood of endorphins (from exercise, relaxation movements, yoga) is more primed for creative thinking than it would be in a state of high anxiety or nervousness. Additionally, blood sugar levels, nutrition and general wellness play roles in this equation. The bodily needs being met at any given time, will encourage the mind to explore other avenues, including the creative one.
In summary, a conscious effort to foster creativity in a gifted child, which involves minimal parental intervention in the child's exploration of stimuli is beneficial. A gradual introduction to new stimulation, so as not to overwhelm and frustrate the child is important. The complexity of unleashing the creative process can be helped by ensuring the child's bodily needs are satisfied at the time.
See also this article on learning activities for more information, Learning_Activities_for_Gifted_Children and Optimal_Environment_for_the_Gifted_Child.
References:
Delisle, James R. Parenting Gifted Kids. TX: Prufrock Press, 2006.
Yahnke Walker, Sally, The Survival Guide for Parents of Gifted Kids. MN: Free Spirit Publishing, 2002.
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