7 Things You Should Know About My Gifted Child

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I remember the early days after my son was born—exhaustion was my new best friend. Between late-night feedings and a refusal to nap, it felt like he was sucking the life out of me. As he grew, everything seemed to become more challenging. He was a picky eater who stubbornly resisted typical infant milestones like rolling over or taking a nap.

His behavior was uniquely different, almost quirky. Instead of crawling, he preferred to sit cross-legged and scoot around using his hands. By age 2, he had an impressive vocabulary and was holding conversations that felt more adult than childlike. His tantrums? Epic. It was as if his thoughts were racing ahead of his body. Transitions were a nightmare, and our lives revolved around his need for a consistent routine. People would often describe him as having a “one-track mind,” and many were taken aback by his intelligence.

We recognized early on that our child was “different,” but bringing it up around other parents often felt like an exercise in snobbery. How do you casually mention, “I think my kid is a genius,” without sounding like a total jerk? So, I kept my suspicions to myself until a kindergarten teacher suggested an IQ test, and voilà—there it was, confirmed: we were raising a little genius, dubbed “gifted” by the school district.

Expectations for gifted children can be overwhelming, and sadly, they often face ridicule from peers while teachers expect more than they can deliver. I’ve had my share of conversations with other parents who chastised me for having a “too smart” kid. The reality is that gifted children are frequently misunderstood, and parenting a child with a high IQ can be a lonely journey.

Here are seven things I want you to know about my gifted child:

1. My kid has special needs.
   Sure, he reads above grade level and can do complicated math in his head, but the classroom’s demands can overwhelm him. What works for others doesn’t always work for him, which is why he needs an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to address his unique needs.
2. My gifted kid isn’t always an honor student.
   Gifted kids can struggle with basic tasks like showing their work or engaging with material that doesn’t stimulate them. His grades can sometimes be misleading; just because he can solve complex problems doesn’t mean he’ll be the valedictorian.
3. Gifted kids aren’t always well-behaved.
   When he’s deeply focused, switching activities can lead to epic meltdowns. Just because a child has a high-functioning intellect doesn’t mean they can easily manage their emotions at a young age.
4. Gifted kids aren’t nerds or dorks.
   The media often portrays smart kids with glasses and awkward personalities. In real life, gifted kids can be sporty, fun-loving, and completely normal. So let’s ditch the stereotypes, shall we?
5. It is exhausting to parent a gifted child.
   Gifted kids thrive on structure and routine, but they can also be scatterbrained. I’ve had countless meetings with teachers about his habits and have lost track of how many times I’ve had to return to school for forgotten homework.
6. Don’t tell me that having a gifted kid is a ‘good problem to have.’
   My child’s challenges are very real. While I’m aware that other kids may struggle academically, that doesn’t minimize the issues we grapple with daily. We’re all in this together, trying to do what’s best for our kids.
7. Gifted kids often deal with anxiety.
   The pressure to perform can be intense, leading to anxiety that even the youngest Einsteins can feel. They might seem like they have it all together, but inside, they might be struggling.

Raising a gifted child has reshaped my worldview, pushing me to understand how my son’s mind works while navigating his unique challenges. It’s a daily commitment, and while we’re proud of his accomplishments, we also face struggles that may appear trivial to outsiders. Plus, I now have an expert on tech support who can help me log into my iCloud account!

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In summary, parenting a gifted child comes with its own unique set of challenges, expectations, and rewards. It requires understanding and patience while navigating their exceptional needs.