So if someone told you their kid was strategic -- what would come to your mind

[Imzadi]

The thing is, I don't think of him as focused or driven at all. He's a little of a space cadet, to be honest (probably won't make that one of my 3 though), because he's got his head in the clouds dreaming of the future 10 years down the line when he's supposed to be doing his math facts. I think that's the problem is that this planfulness is quite unexpected in such a goofy kid.

If there was a 4th space I'd put goofy, because it's really true.

Oh, I missed this part about him.

Hmmm. I see why you are having trouble! He sounds like a great kid. I agree with another poster that for whatever reason, "strategic" wouldn't really bother me for an adult (I'd think it was a good thing) but it seems negative for a child. I don't know why that is, though. It seems like the right word ought to be obvious - surely there is one that means what you are describing - but I can't for the life of me think of what it is!

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

Ooooh, I like analytical.

I'd love an adjective that relates to dreaming somehow -- but not dreamy, he's a kid who's got his heads in the clouds, but his feet firmly planted on the ground in some really good ways.

 

[Briarmom]

Ooooh, I like analytical.

I'd love an adjective that relates to dreaming somehow -- but not dreamy, he's a kid who's got his heads in the clouds, but his feet firmly planted on the ground in some really good ways.

I think we're raising similar children.

How about visionary? No, that's probably not good.

It's so funny, because I put 'dreamer' into the thesaurus and got 'Pollyanna' which is so not my ds...but dreamer is. Visionary is also under 'dreamer' in the thesaurus, which I think may be reaching...

Dreaming=Disneyesque. Can that be a word?

 

[Imzadi]

How about visionary? No, that's probably not good.

Walt Disney was considered a visionary.

He even called himself that. Some reported said to him that he won't even be around when Disneyland was fully finished and IF it is thriving the way he dreams of it being. Disney said that was the difference between him and a reporter who only reports about events that they currently see. He was a visionary and he had already been to the Disneyland in his dreams and had seen how happy the families will be and the kind of experiences they will have. He didn't have to be alive to know it would be real someday. He was right.

 

[Lachesis00]

Empathetic.

–adjective
of, pertaining to, or characterized by empathy: a sensitive, empathetic school counselor.

\

Another anecdote to illustrate my "strategic kid". He comes home from school and tells me he thinks a classmate has autism and this kid is always interrupting the class and making it hard to finish their work, and that they've lost recess several times on account of this kid (side vent, way to make the kid with special needs a part of the classroom community -- why on earth would a teacher do that?), and then before I can open my mouth to reply to this first part he says "so, I think we should invite him over. It's hard for him to make friends in a group, and I think he's scared because he doesn't have any friends. If we were alone we might become friends and then he'd behave better at school, and be happy."

I kind of like resourceful. I also kind of like "wise" but again, I think it carries a feeling of solemnity that is 100% not my kid.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

Empathetic.

–adjective
of, pertaining to, or characterized by empathy: a sensitive, empathetic school counselor.

Some variation of that will be one of the other 2 words on the list. Right now I'm thinking kind, just because I think it combines -- feels empathy with action, but I'm open to suggestions. The 3rd word will speak to his imagination and creativity in some way -- put those 2 things together with the strategic/resourceful/problem solver word (and add goofy, but I'm thinking that's not the most strategic choice) and you pretty much defined my kid.

Of course I'd also add "fantastic", "delightful", "brilliant", etc . . . but I suspect the admissions people see many of those and want to hear how your stands out.

So kind, resourceful, imaginative (and goofy)? How does that sound?

 

[C.Ann]

Analytical was the first word that popped into my head.. "Strategic" isn't always a word used in a positive light..

If the word weren't used so often in negative situations, "methodical" would have been a good choice as well..

 

[suejai]

Well I'm going to go against the grain, because the first thing I thought when I read the thread title was 'good at chess'.

My DS10 is the same way. He is not a planner per se, but he is 'strategic.' I can sit with a puzzle forever and he comes along and solves it in a second. He's good at Chess as well.

I liked the 'astute' suggestion.

Good luck!

That's funny - that is what I thought as well. My DS sounds like yours too!


OP: what about forward thinking? Or adept. Capable. Competent.

Or "able" which is defined as: capable of performing; having an innate capacity.

 

[nskjerven]

I also like "Strategic" it does not to me imply sneaky, it means to logically think thru the options and proceed to the end result.

My son races go-karts and he thinks strategically about how to win a race, by passing his competition.

I'd use that word to describe my son as well.



Good luck and thanks for raising this question here I bet we will be faced with a similar question as we look at completing apps on behalf of our son as well.

 

[crazee4mickey]

To me the first thing I think of when I hear "strategic" is "sneaky"......

 

[Sue's Mum]

I like "analytical" as well. Being lazy, I just used MS Word's thesaurus and all the suggested words seem to fit with how your are describing your DS.

It seems to me that he does analyse everything before coming to any conclusion.

 

[Imzadi]

Op, if you do want to go back to strategic, strategist might be a better word. There are financial strategists, political strategists.

 

[Disney Doll]

I agree with the others that when I read your riginal question, my first thought was "her kid is sneaky" before I raed your description of how great he sounds!

Resourceful, intuitive, insightful, directed, self-directed, deep thinker, planner, astute.

 

[cabanafrau]

I don't like strategic either, but I don't really have any suggestions beyond what you've already got in the thread from others.

I do have a question from reading your original post -- what makes you say he's a strong chess player, "for a kid w/o lessons & no chess-playing relatives"? Who does he play chess with? Is he playing chess w/ skilled opponents? Sorry, just jumped out at me & I had to ask.

 

[padams]

Having been through the private school admissions process with both of my DSs, I think you don't need to be so concerned about what word you choose (although I won't choose goofy ). The schools are just trying to get a picture of who your son is. They are seeking the big picture out of the application, the interview, his test scores and recommendations. One of three descriptive words chosen will not make or break his application.

Given your description of your son and the other posters' suggestions, what about "ambitious"? I also like goal oriented.

If I were you, I'd look at the school's website for its mission statement and philosophy. The school will likely state what kind of learners its students are. I'd pick a word from the philosophy or mission statement. If the philosophy emphasizes creativity and free thinking, I'd go that direction. If the school emphasizes community, use something like extrovert or friendly. After all, you are seeking admission and you are trying to show the school that your child will be a good fit.

Good luck!

 

[eeyore65]

I have also been through the private school thing and you may want to think about the word honorable. That is a big word at our school and it sounds like it may describe your son. When I read strategic - I though good at games! So not negative but not something a school looks for. Thoughtful - seems to describe him too.

He sounds like a great boy!

 

[maroo]

Critical thinker. Look it up and see if it applies to him.

Ooooh, I like analytical.

I'd love an adjective that relates to dreaming somehow -- but not dreamy, he's a kid who's got his heads in the clouds, but his feet firmly planted on the ground in some really good ways.

I agree with pp -
I like analytical!

There is even a section on some standardized tests that is considered the "analytical" section...so that may provide an additional boost for him - analytical seems smart, thoughtful, dreamer...seems to capture all of those and definitely has a positive connotation.