Gifted Children: Do You Have A Gifted Child?

Gifted children are those kids whose talents, skills, potentials and abilities are so superior and exceptional that they set the child apart from their peers. Gifted children are often initially observed and identified when they excel in school, yet most parents of gifted kids suspect and notice giftedness early on in their children even before their child enters school. But how could you determine if your child is indeed gifted? And what are the early signs? Being gifted is naturally considered to mean an IQ of 130 or higher, alongside with high performance in any of the 5 aspects or factors: general intellectual capability, leadership skills and potential, creative thinking and inclinations (seeing at questions and answers in a one-of-a-kind way), specific academic excellence (at math, for instance) or artistic (and that includes musical) abilities. Consider the probabilities or possibilities of giftedness in your child if he or she shows or manifests the following traits and characteristics: is overly and persistently curious, possesses an exceptional memory, learns to read even prior to entering school, talks and walks at a very early age, shows an interest in, or understanding of, ideas or concepts (sharing, time, etc) or logic, has a long attention span, can express him/herself well for his age. Only a few children would display all of these traits and characteristics right away, and some gifted children will even appear to be somewhat “slow starters” or “late bloomers”, but would later continue and catch up and ultimately excel. For example, Albert Einstein was already 7 before he can read and was already four before he can read. Gifted children talk, talk and talk and especially ask never ending questions. So go ahead and answer all of your child’s questions or clarifications, then equip him with tons and tons of outside experiences and worthwhile activities as you can. Before school age, a gifted kid is less interested in particular information and facts than they are simply learning and knowing about the world and trying to figure out how it all works. Enable your child’s world to be as diverse and as rich as possible. Therefore, if you suspect or believe that your child is indeed a gifted one, what then should you do about it? Testing performed early on, before he enters school is generally not as reliable as later testing. Introduce and familiarize him to books by reading to them daily, and listening to them. If you are very impressed with your child’s performance and you want to help or assist him reach their fullest potential, just offer a loving, caring and balanced environment, inspiration, encouragement and more opportunities in learning. Provide a very young child as much freedom of movement and enjoyment as is safely possible. And most importantly, support and always be there for your child. A gifted child, maybe more than several other kids, needs attention, motivation and reassurance that they are very much accepted and loved just the way they really are—not just for being gifted, but for being themselves.