Advice History

Sometimes our perception of our child's giftedness is different from what their test scores reveal. Other times, parents don't realize just how gifted their child is. Either way, it's important to give your children supportive, positive enrichment any way you can. If your child's school doesn't provide the type of enrichment programs you feel are best suited to your child, look for other avenues such as community workshops and programs or private programs. Be careful with over stimulation though. Even gifted students who crave more and higher learning can burn out over time. One of the greatest gifts a parent can give to their children is a balanced life. 

If your school identifies your child as gifted, congratulations. However, that does not mean he or she will find classwork easy. Same with following your rules at home. Gifted children often ask more questions, think outside the box more, and can have a harder time conforming to rules. Teachers who have been trained to teach gifted kids know this and have learned techniques to help their charges thrive in the classroom -- but unfortunately, not all schools provide full time instruction geared to teaching children with special abilities. You will need to be patient with your child, and may have to come up with more creative ways to keep him or her motivated. And if issues crop up in the classroom, you may have to step in as your child's advocate.