Not long after my son was born, I found myself utterly drained. Between breastfeeding and sleepless nights, it felt like he was draining all my energy. As he transitioned into infancy, things only seemed to get more challenging. He was a picky eater who stubbornly resisted typical infant milestones like napping or rolling over.
His behaviors were a bit quirky. Instead of crawling, he preferred to sit cross-legged, scooting himself around using his hands. By age two, he had a remarkable vocabulary and could hold conversations using full sentences, which was astonishing. However, his meltdowns were intense; it was as if his thoughts were racing ahead of his body. Transitions were incredibly tough for him, and our lives revolved around establishing a consistent routine. The phrase “one-track mind” was often used to describe him, and many people were taken aback by his intelligence.
We recognized early on that our son was “different,” but discussing it with other parents felt like bragging. How do you casually say, “I suspect my child is a genius” without sounding arrogant? Observing his behavior led me to keep my thoughts to myself, until a kindergarten teacher recommended an IQ test, which confirmed our suspicions: we were raising a gifted child.
Gifted kids face high expectations, sometimes unfairly so. My son has experienced ridicule from peers, and teachers often expect more from him than he’s able to give. I’ve encountered numerous parents who criticize me for having a “too smart” child. The reality is that gifted kids often face misunderstanding, and parenting a child with such a high IQ can feel isolating.
Here are a few things I’d like you to understand about my gifted child:
- My child has unique needs.
While he reads well above his grade level and can solve complex math problems in his head, he struggles with the classroom’s demands. The typical systems don’t always align with how his brain works. An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is often necessary to address his unique educational requirements. - Honor roll isn’t guaranteed.
Just because he’s gifted doesn’t mean he’ll always be at the top of the class. He may excel at mental math, but tasks like showing all his work can be challenging. Please don’t assume he’ll be the valedictorian simply because he’s bright. - Behavior can be unpredictable.
When he’s deeply focused on an activity, shifting gears can be difficult. Leaving a play session or putting away toys often results in significant tantrums as he navigates transitions. A high-functioning mind doesn’t always equate to emotional maturity, and he’s still learning to manage his feelings. - Gifted kids aren’t stereotypes.
TV often depicts smart kids with nerdy looks and awkward personalities. In reality, gifted children enjoy a variety of activities, including sports, and can have vibrant personalities. They don’t fit into neat boxes, so let’s stop perpetuating those outdated stereotypes. - Parenting a gifted child is tiring.
Gifted kids thrive on routine and structure, yet they can also be disorganized. Managing their needs in school often requires meetings with teachers, and I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to return to school for forgotten homework. - It’s not just a ‘good problem.’
While my child’s intelligence may seem like a blessing, it comes with its own set of challenges. Just because he may excel in some areas doesn’t mean we don’t face daily struggles. I empathize with other parents who have children facing their own difficulties, and we’re all just trying to support our kids. - Anxiety is real.
The pressure on gifted children to perform can be overwhelming, leading to anxiety. Add in their tendency to feel scattered and disorganized, and even the brightest minds can feel burdened. Kindness goes a long way in supporting gifted kids as they navigate their complex inner worlds.
Raising a gifted child has reshaped my perspective on the world. It’s a continuous effort to understand how his brain works and how to help him manage his unique needs. We take pride in his achievements, but every day presents new challenges that others may overlook. On a lighter note, I am grateful for my little tech guru who can always help me with my iCloud issues.
For additional insights on parenting and family dynamics, check out our other posts at Home Insemination Kit and learn more about helpful resources like Make a Mom. If you’re exploring family planning options, the information available on Healthline can be invaluable.