Your child is gifted?

Raise your hand if your child’s “giftedness” has ever been questioned!

As I began reading the 1^st pages of this book, I felt like I was reading a page from a book about my own life. My oldest child’s giftedness was often questioned as well. I remember the comments that were made about my son: “He will not get his notebook out of his desk in class. He will not get out a pencil. His homework assignments are incomplete. He does not pay attention. Yes, I know he should be doing more challenging math, but I can’t accelerate his math because he will not do the classwork."

He most definitely played by his own rules and not the school’s!

In this scenario there are two players. First, there are teachers who truly do not understand that giftedness is an “inherent quality rather than a report card filled with A’s”. Secondly, there are parents who may be looking only for the A’s on the report card. Or perhaps they are parents who do not know how to parent their child through some of these behaviors and how to be a strong advocate for their child when times get tough and the questions about their child’s needs and abilities are raised.

Well, I can honestly say I have found myself in both of these positions! I’ve been a teacher who has wondered if a student, who exhibits certain behaviors, is truly gifted, and I have been a frustrated parent who did not know what to say or do when people were questioning.

With that said, here is what I’d like you to consider.

When does __(your child’s name)__ excel?

Really THINK about this for a moment! Is it in the expected academic ways? Is it in ways that are quiet and unexpected? (Like the qualities mentioned on page 6 about sensitivity and awareness)Is it in multiple ways? Is it in a way that is DIFFERENT from what we as parents have “planned out” in our own minds for our children?

In the comments below, please share what you have learned and are learning about your child’s giftedness and about yourselves. Are you having any “Aha” moments?

I believe it is critical that we as parents have a deep understanding of who is living life in our homes. Take a step back and watch, observe… Have conversations with your children in which you ask questions and then just listen to their hearts and spirits.

Enjoy slowly unwrapping this gift of giftedness that has been given to you in the form of a child!

PS – Does anyone else want to take a road trip to visit the Roeper School?