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Have you ever wondered if your child is gifted? I believe the answer is yes. When I review the characteristics of 'gifted' children I can say with some certainty that they are all gifted. The characteristics, according to an article called "The Gifted Child" by Maris Rosenberg MD, Dimitra Robokos PhD and Rose Kennedy UCEDD, include advanced vocabulary, abstract thinking, exceptional problem solving skills and excellent memory skills. Furthermore (and the part I like best) they ask provocative questions, are very curious and have a 'heightened sense of wonder".
The reason I say all children are gifted is also the problem with labeling children. Children tend to have 'giftedness' on certain domains more then others. They may be academically advanced but age appropriate in other domains such as social or emotional development. Testing of children under the age of five is often not a good predictor of later intelligence. Placing these children is challenging since you want to challenge them but they may not feel like they 'fit' in any environment. Home schooling can be an option but some parents will feel incapable of providing instruction for their child.
Having a gifted child can be stressful. Parents feel pressured to develop their prodigy. They may feel the schools are not accomodating their children's special skills. One parent may feel the development of the child is a critical issue while the other parent wants to 'just let him be a kid'. The gifted child may have trouble finding or relating to peers. Children can feel pressured to succeed or exceed in all areas of their live. Relationships can be strained.
I once had a first grade teacher explain to me that 'all children are gifted, they just open their gifts at different times". I think that pretty much sums it up. For more information on gifted children:
National Association for Gifted Children
Center for Talented Youth
Talent Identification Program
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