Have you ever been curious about what it’s like to raise a gifted child? Or perhaps you already have one but are unsure how to deal with it. Regardless, raising a gifted child can be difficult. In the United States, a child is considered gifted if their IQ is greater than 136, but what does this mean?
Basically, it means that your child has a high IQ or is skilled in one or more areas that were tested. However, at first, knowing that your child is gifted is not very helpful. Did you know that gifted children may actually risk dropping out of school? Yes, you read correctly. Gifted students frequently lose interest in classes, learning, and tests when they feel unchallenged or bored in the class they are in. In many recent studies, educators and psychologists demand that states and the government give gifted children the same attention as special needs children. Every child with a diagnosis of special needs is guaranteed equal educational opportunities until they reach the age of 21 by the Special Needs and Education Act. For children with special needs, there are programs and special arrangements, but gifted children receive almost no funding.
Special lessons that are tailored to the fast-paced or different-paced learning styles of gifted children are also required, as is content that is stimulating and engaging. The majority of public schools simply inform parents that their children are gifted in one or more of the areas tested and do not provide gifted students with any additional support.
It can even be difficult for parents to keep up with their children at times. It can be challenging to find activities that both challenge and appeal to a child who is highly curious and gifted. Buying a game or other item, for instance, can be challenging. Utilizing the age rules given on the bundling for the most part doesn’t help. Many educational games and materials do not target gifted children in the age range listed on the packaging. When gifted children are cognitively ahead of their peers of the same age, they frequently become bored with games. Therefore, how can you locate activities and possibly even support for raising a gifted child?
You will be able to find a lot of information and assistance for raising a gifted child if you have access to the Internet. In many cities, parents of gifted children who lack the financial means to send their children to special private schools have established informational websites and established a community for their children.
Your local library is an additional resource for assistance and information regarding gifted children, parenting, and activities. While some books offer stimulating games, educational resources, and suggestions for extracurricular activities geared specifically toward gifted children, others focus on the challenges of raising gifted children.
There is one thing that every parent should keep in mind when raising a gifted child. Children who are gifted are distinct from peers of the same age. As a result, trying to make them fit in might not work. Naturally, you want your child to fit in, have friends, and be as normal as possible. However, if you insist on this, your child may do nothing but try to fit in, not learn anything new in school, or worse, begin to despise school. Find a middle ground between making your child fit in at any cost and teaching them to be self-assured and proud of their abilities. You should ensure that your child participates in challenging activities, but you should avoid overwhelming them and overscheduling. Every child should have fun. Fun makes learning simple for everyone, and it’s just as important for gifted children as it is for regular or special needs children.
Be proud of your child’s achievements, but don’t praise them too much or use them as an example for other kids and parents.
