Gifted Children's Friendships (continued)
Source: Davidson Institute for Talent Development
Topics: Social-Emotional Well-Being and Gifted Youth
It's not the other kids' fault; they genuinely just can't connect with what the gifted kid is enjoying. It can be particularly problematic when the gifted kid has reached abstract humor (soup usually equates with warmth and mothering but Seinfeld gives us a soup Nazi!) that he may appreciate on many different levels but he may not be able to explain to his age-peers just what it is about the idea he finds so rewarding/amusing/weird etc.
It's difficult to bond in friendship with people we can't laugh with!
References:
Gross, M.U.M. (2002) Gifted children and the gift of friendship. Understanding Our Gifted, 14(3), 27-29.
&Gross, M.U.M. (2003). Exceptionally gifted children: Second edition. London: RoutledgeFalmer.
Hollingworth, L.S. (1936). The development of personality in highly intelligent children. National Elementary Principal, 15, 272-281.
Silverman, L.K. (1993). Counselling the gifted and talented. Denver: Love
Permission Statement: ©2006 The Davidson Institute for Talent Development.
This article is provided as a service of the Davidson Institute for Talent Development, a 501(c)3 nonprofit operating foundation, which nurtures and supports profoundly intelligent young people and to provide opportunities for them to develop their talents and to make a positive difference. For more information, please visit http://www.davidson-institute.org, or call (775) 852-3483.
Reprinted with the permission of the Davidson Institute for Talent Development. © 2008 Davidson Institute for Talent Development
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