Gifted Child; How Parents Can Help

A child who emerges from the mother’s womb is a unique human being. What nature has provided the child are the genes of heredity. Occasionally, a child is born gifted with a brain so different from others in its structure that it is like a wired engine. “It is not enough to have a good mind; the main thing is to use it well”, are the words of Rene Descartes, a 16th century French author and philosopher. Parents must understand and work with the gifted child to help with further development. The development areas are: education, nutrition, social interaction, parental care, all in the area of nurturing. Such awareness is important.

How parents can help through recognition of the characteristics of a gifted child

How do parents know the child may be gifted? The little one may walk early, talk early, and show definite advancement in the early stages of life. Later, the child may have a thirst for knowledge, may be an explorer, and constantly want new and advanced toys , and sometimes be very bored. The youngster may drive the parents crazy always wanting to go to the store for something new. Other less mature children may not interest him, and he may react well to adults. He may always be moving, looking at his surroundings and experimenting with everything, he sees. The child may like to take things apart and put them back together He may start to say, “What’s that?” to everything he sees. This evidence shows the difference between this child and others, allowing parents to further enrich the life of the child. In addition, they might learn about the different kinds of intelligence.

Gifted child differences

A child may not show intelligence in all areas, as gifted children are not alike. There are children who are born gifted with musical talent, probably from heredity. Many gifted boys lack verbal skills and possess a proficient mathematical and scientific mind. John Nash, who suffered at times with severe mental disability, was a mathematical genius as portrayed in the movie “A Beautiful Mind.” Gifted girls often excel in verbal and written skills but not in math or science. An example of this gift is Margaret Mitchell who wrote, “Gone with the Wind” for which she received a Pulitzer Prize. If a gifted child lacks stimulation to expand on his abilities, he may not progress as well as other gifted children. The story of John J. explains how parents can further aid in development and how to meet the other necessary criteria for a well-nurtured child.

The gifted child - how parents can help - an example

*John is a gifted child and the offspring of intelligent parents, one who later completed college. His paternal grandparents are college graduates. While he was in the womb, his mother talked, sang and read to him. Both caring parents taught him to read and write early. He possessed the skills of a gifted child in all areas, and when his parents became aware of his abilities, they worked with him toward achievement. When he was three, he often conversed with waiters in restaurants and had many such interactions with others. His nutrition was adequate to aid in his growth. He progressed well in school and worked diligently.The parents encouraged him to take honors classes, to think outside the box, and to take part in school projects

The parents encouraged him to begin taking the ACT in 7th grade and to retake it until he received a high score. He received an A in every class throughout his school years, and his teachers took the time to enrich his education and encourage him. He has a photographic memory. Encouraged to study, to have good friends, to be a good Christian, not smoke or drink added to the parental assistance given to him. He had a little difficulty with reading and writing skills, and math and science were his most gifted subjects. Family members praised him, but he kept a humble attitude. In high school, he tested out of 45 college credit hours, allowing him to graduate from college in three years with full scholarships including room and board. He paid nothing towards his degree and can credit his father for assisting him in his application for scholarships. John was a fortunate child. .

John’s parents helped him succeed, and parents must allow a gifted child to use his mind well and help create the nurturing environment. Not all parents are successful in pursuing these goals. Some children will resist the help and balk at trying to pursue the gifted path. They may become involved with undesirable friends or chemical issues. They may wish to be “normal” and reject their giftedness. Some parents may divorce, creating other problems. However, every parent of a gifted child can be proud of any achievement even if the child stumbles and falls by the wayside. The successful parent is to be lauded and the ones who try, deserve the same recognition for reaching for greater heights to assist the gifted child.

*not his real name (from personal knowledge)