ConcernedMo...
asks:
Q:
How do we avoid the pressures of branding our kids as gifted?
I have a gifted (almost 5 yr old) child and am thinking of enrolling her in a school for gifted kids. My main reason for this is because of her asynchronous development (high IQ, Low EQ). But I worry about the following:
(a) If they are in a school with other gifted kids (which is probably just 5% of the whole population), how do they learn to interact with the others. When they go for higher education or work they will need to interact with the rest of the world. Will they feel out of place then?
(b) These kids are now branded "Gifted" and might feel pressured with the expectation/tag. How do we help them handle this "status" and still feel normal?
Would love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks!
In Topics:
School and Academics, My gifted child, Children and stress
(a) If they are in a school with other gifted kids (which is probably just 5% of the whole population), how do they learn to interact with the others. When they go for higher education or work they will need to interact with the rest of the world. Will they feel out of place then?
(b) These kids are now branded "Gifted" and might feel pressured with the expectation/tag. How do we help them handle this "status" and still feel normal?
Would love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks!
> 60 days ago
What the Expert Says:
Additional Answers (1)
Concerned mother,
I too had a gifted child but he did not benefit from a special program. My son did attend excellent public schools; and, graduated from a top university as a computer science major. I am given you this background before sharing my thoughts on your question.
1) your concern is an excellent one and a real one. If your child attends strong performing public schools, you may not need a change. In strong performing schools, there are usually ways to supplement your child's education either through the school or in the community. I will be happy to give you additional ideas if interested. If your child's school is weaker you may want to take advantage of the gifted school.
2) some parents push gifted schools until high school. Hence, you may get the benefits of keeping your child motivated academically at a key time in your child's development. Then, transfer back to the private or public high school.
3) In general, I favor gifted programs and gifted schools. You and your child should visit the gifted school and classes to learn first hand the information you seek. Extra-curriculum activities are a crucial part of a child's EQ development. Usually, the traditional schools are better suited for varied activities (debate, sports, music, etc.) than the gifted schools - especially at the secondary level.
Please note the numerous articles in the resource link below.
Ron
I too had a gifted child but he did not benefit from a special program. My son did attend excellent public schools; and, graduated from a top university as a computer science major. I am given you this background before sharing my thoughts on your question.
1) your concern is an excellent one and a real one. If your child attends strong performing public schools, you may not need a change. In strong performing schools, there are usually ways to supplement your child's education either through the school or in the community. I will be happy to give you additional ideas if interested. If your child's school is weaker you may want to take advantage of the gifted school.
2) some parents push gifted schools until high school. Hence, you may get the benefits of keeping your child motivated academically at a key time in your child's development. Then, transfer back to the private or public high school.
3) In general, I favor gifted programs and gifted schools. You and your child should visit the gifted school and classes to learn first hand the information you seek. Extra-curriculum activities are a crucial part of a child's EQ development. Usually, the traditional schools are better suited for varied activities (debate, sports, music, etc.) than the gifted schools - especially at the secondary level.
Please note the numerous articles in the resource link below.
Ron
> 60 days ago
