16 SIGNS OF A GIFTED CHILD.

By-Marelize

MY CHILD IS GIFTED, I THINK…

“The child is gifted” has become such a common phrase that it almost goes unnoticed when mentioned in a conversation. But, the real signs of whether a child is gifted or not is often unbeknown to the general public.

As a result, parents and schools use the term “gifted” indiscriminately to describe bright children and students, without knowing what “being gifted” really implies.

The problem is that most people equate IQ and academic achievement with being gifted.

But, being bright or intelligent and being gifted is definitely not the same!



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15 SIGNS OF A GIFTED CHILD

Published by admin on June 23, 2019

BY MARELIZE | UPDATED 19 NOVEMBER 2019 | 15 SIGNS OF A GIFTED CHILD

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MY CHILD IS GIFTED, I THINK…

“The child is gifted” has become such a common phrase that it almost goes unnoticed when mentioned in a conversation. But, the real signs of whether a child is gifted or not is often unbeknown to the general public.

As a result, parents and schools use the term “gifted” indiscriminately to describe bright children and students, without knowing what “being gifted” really implies.

The problem is that most people equate IQ and academic achievement with being gifted.

But, being bright or intelligent and being gifted is definitely not the same!



Let us start by saying that no definition can really encompass what it means to be gifted.

Although there are tests available for identifying signs of a gifted child, I have experienced more incorrect “labeling” of gifted children than I care to remember. And these labels that are hung around children’s necks, are usually doing more harm than good – both for the parent and the child!

Most of us would agree that no two children are the same. The same goes for gifted children.

All gifted children are different – they all have their own, unique personality and a set of traits, which makes trying to define and identify “gifted” even harder.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BRIGHT AND GIFTED

We need to understand that gifted children are not just smart, bright or intelligent. Gifted children are unique in every sense of the word!

Bright kids, because of their academic prowess, are more than usual labeled as gifted.

Usually, bright kids love school. They show up on time, behave themselves, and work hard. As a result, they succeed in the classroom and achieve brilliant academic results.

More than often, gifted children don’t “like” school. They don’t like the routine and the repetition, as they often already know the answers without much effort. Neither high grades nor academic recognition drives them.

While the bright child may wait for someone to teach them, the gifted child will jump in and teach themselves!

SIGNS OF A GIFTED CHILD

In general, gifted refers to children whose abilities (mainly in a specific area) far surpass what is expected for their age – with the emphasis on far!

But this definition is very vague.

So, what really distinguishes a gifted child from the normally bright and intelligent child?

Here are some of the distinctive signs or characteristics of that small group of children that can actually be called “a gifted child”.



TOGGLE NAVIGATION

15 SIGNS OF A GIFTED CHILD

Published by admin on June 23, 2019

BY MARELIZE | UPDATED 19 NOVEMBER 2019 | 15 SIGNS OF A GIFTED CHILD

FacebookTwitterLinkedinSave

MY CHILD IS GIFTED, I THINK…

“The child is gifted” has become such a common phrase that it almost goes unnoticed when mentioned in a conversation. But, the real signs of whether a child is gifted or not is often unbeknown to the general public.

As a result, parents and schools use the term “gifted” indiscriminately to describe bright children and students, without knowing what “being gifted” really implies.

The problem is that most people equate IQ and academic achievement with being gifted.

But, being bright or intelligent and being gifted is definitely not the same!



Let us start by saying that no definition can really encompass what it means to be gifted.

Although there are tests available for identifying signs of a gifted child, I have experienced more incorrect “labeling” of gifted children than I care to remember. And these labels that are hung around children’s necks, are usually doing more harm than good – both for the parent and the child!

Most of us would agree that no two children are the same. The same goes for gifted children.

All gifted children are different – they all have their own, unique personality and a set of traits, which makes trying to define and identify “gifted” even harder.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BRIGHT AND GIFTED

We need to understand that gifted children are not just smart, bright or intelligent. Gifted children are unique in every sense of the word!

Bright kids, because of their academic prowess, are more than usual labeled as gifted.

Usually, bright kids love school. They show up on time, behave themselves, and work hard. As a result, they succeed in the classroom and achieve brilliant academic results.

More than often, gifted children don’t “like” school. They don’t like the routine and the repetition, as they often already know the answers without much effort. Neither high grades nor academic recognition drives them.

While the bright child may wait for someone to teach them, the gifted child will jump in and teach themselves!

SIGNS OF A GIFTED CHILD

In general, gifted refers to children whose abilities (mainly in a specific area) far surpass what is expected for their age – with the emphasis on far!

But this definition is very vague.

So, what really distinguishes a gifted child from the normally bright and intelligent child?

Here are some of the distinctive signs or characteristics of that small group of children that can actually be called “a gifted child”.



1. EARLY LANGUAGE ACQUISITION

Gifted children often reach knowledge milestones much faster than average. Language skills, in particular, seem to come more naturally for these children. An extensive vocabulary and speaking in complex sentences, even from a young age, are two distinctive signs that a child may be one of the few gifted ones.

From a very young age, they also show advanced comprehension of language and they easily manage language nuances, metaphors and, abstract ideas.

It is not uncommon for gifted children to be able to read before they go to school. In most cases, they will teach themselves to read.

Gifted children are rapid learners, mastering new skills quickly and seamlessly, often insisting on teaching themselves these skills.

2. A GIFTED CHILD IS A PROBLEM SOLVER

Gifted children are highly intelligent and usually have an excellent memory. It may explain their ability to draw original comparisons between seemingly unrelated subjects. They can identify patterns easily and can and like to complete puzzles.

Gifted children possess unique problem-solving skills and they prefer to play games that involve strategy, that is games with numbers and puzzles, to ordinary win or lose games.

3. GIFTED CHILDREN ARE EXTREMELY INQUISITIVE

Gifted kids have an insatiable curiosity and they are intensely curious about a wide variety of subjects, or they can have an extreme focus in one area.

One of the most recognizable traits of giftedness in young children is that they constantly ask ‘why?’ The questions never, ever stop and it can drive family members, peers and teachers insane.

To satisfy this curiosity, they’ll read every book they can get or spend hours on the internet, finding out things for themselves, especially when something piques their interest.

They can also be pretty argumentative. Any disagreement is apparently an invitation to debate and, they often win those debates.

4. THEY LIKE THE COMPANY OF ADULTS OR OLDER KIDS

Gifted kids, because of their advanced intelligence, often have difficulty relating to their peers. They may be misunderstood or just plain bored in the company of peers. They also lack the patience or understanding when others struggle with a task they have mastered.

As such, they may seek out older kids, teachers, and other adults for stimulation or conversation.

Gifted children often have problems in becoming part of a peer group. They are more than often the odd kid, the outsider or the nerd, living inside their own imaginary world.

5. A GIFTED CHILD IS HIGH ENERGY!

Gifted kids, probably because their brain is always in top gear, seem to be in perpetual movement.

Notice, too, that really smart and gifted kids tend to speak way too fast (and too much!) The reason for this verbal assault is that they are trying (unsuccessfully!) to get their words to catch up with their thoughts.

Gifted kids seldom seem bored – they are always on the go, seeking and finding new things that interest them.

In general, they sleep less than other children, often because they can’t “turn their brains off”, but the lack of sleep does not seem to affect their energy levels at all.

6. A MATURE SENSE OF HUMOUR IS A SIGN OF A GIFTED CHILD

One of the more recognizable signs that a child is gifted, is their keen and/or unusual sense of humor.

They understand the finer nuances of humorous language long before their peers do and are quick to catch up on typical Dad Jokes.

They can also understand and appreciate sarcasm and are often sarcastic themselves, showing their displeasure with others’ ignorance.

7. EMOTIONAL SENSITIVITY IS A SIGN OF GIFTED CHILDREN

Gifted children are without exception highly sensitive children. They have intense feelings, intense reactions, and an intense drive.

Because of their sensitivity, they are prone to experience anxiety, even from a very young age. Remember, they are already thinking on a deeper, abstract level and therefore experience fears that children their age don’t. For instance, a lot of these children are aware of their own mortality, something that only surfaces in normal children in their teens!

For parents of gifted children, it is important to make sure they know the difference between normal childhood fears and anxiety and anxiety disorder.

The gifted child will experience a deep sense of justice from early on. They concern themselves with social and political issues and have an idealistic view of what a perfect world should be like.

8. THEY ARE INCREDIBLY TALENTED AT “SOMETHING”

Gifted is just another word for “exceptionally talented at something”.

It is obvious that no individual can be talented at all things, but some kids are naturals at certain things, like sports, science, Maths or the arts.

Extreme talent in a specific area is almost assuredly a sign of gifted intelligence.

9. A GIFTED CHILD HAVE EXCELLENT FOCUS

Most gifted kids have an exceptional ability to focus on the things that interest them. They can pay attention for long periods, especially when compared to their age peers.

But, a gifted kid, stuck in a boring classroom based on understanding and retention of information, will quickly lose interest and either start daydreaming or become difficult. As such, they are often labeled as having poor focus and a short attention span, even as having ADHD.

Because they can focus extensively on a certain aspect, they can find unique solutions for problems, if they are given enough time and opportunity and space. One distinctive trait of the gifted child is that they don’t want to be nursed or guided. They want to find their own way.

10. THEY  MAY UNDERACHIEVE IN SCHOOL

It doesn’t make sense! Right?

Wrong!

While highly intelligent, bright kids tend to devote most of their mental energy towards academic achievement, the gifted child will only excel in things of interest. It is therefore not altogether uncommon for a gifted kid to excel at one subject and struggle with another.

As was said before, gifted children seldom “like” school.

They don’t like the routine and the repetition, as they often already know the answers without much effort. Neither high grades nor academic recognition drives them.

Add to this that they tend to overthink everything and want to work beyond the group, it stands to reason that gifted children find the traditional school system boring and uninspiring.

And, traditional schools find it just as challenging to cater to the really gifted child.

11. GIFTED CHILDREN THINK LEARNING IS FUN

Although they may not necessarily like school, gifted children love learning. They love it so much that it becomes a hobby.

Because of their advanced intelligence and love of learning, the child may share few interests with his or her peers.

12. A GIFTED CHILD IS AN ORIGINAL, CREATIVE THINKER

Being gifted implies having a vivid imagination. People who don’t understand these children will be put off by their “wild and silly” ideas, but handled correctly and with the necessary encouragement, these ideas can turn out to be wonderfully inventive.

Their wild and vivid imagination allows these kids to approach everyday problems differently, but they may also offer solutions that are new and innovative.

Gifted children like experimenting and can put ideas or things together that are not typical. And the more complex the problem, the more they thrive.

The creativity of really gifted children is not limited to the arts; they display their creative skills in whatever special talent they have.

13. THEY ARE MATURE

Gifted children may often seem wise beyond her years. Because they prefer the company of older people, their outlook on life, the way they speak and reason, may resemble a much older person.

They will often find the antics of their peers silly and will not hesitate to speak their minds. They will rather concern themselves with more mature issues like politics and inequality.

14. SOME GIFTED CHILDREN DISPLAY LEADERSHIP QUALITIES

Because of their maturity and uncanny ability to solve problems and think outside the box, some gifted kids show a remarkable aptitude for leadership. Of course, these skills are more evident when the child is in a setting that allows them to apply these skills.

Some, on the other hand, will shy away from any leadership role or responsibility – they will simply focus on themselves and their way of thinking and doing.

15. THEY DON’T (LIKE TO) FOLLOW DIRECTIONS

Gifted children are notoriously independent. They don’t want to be told what to do and if they are guided in any way, they will argue or resist it.

They will question even the most basic instructions or not ask questions at all, having figured things out on their own.

Because of this, some gifted children are labeled as difficult or strong-willed and they need to be guided in a very specific and sympathetic way.

16. A GIFTED CHILD NEEDS SOME “ME-TIME”

In general, gifted children prefer to be left on their own for extended periods. Solitude allows them to be alone with their thoughts and exercise their creativity. Gifted kids enjoy solitary activities such as reading, writing, and drawing. They work well independently and may even prefer to work independently.

Other people often view them as pre-occupied with own thoughts or daydreaming.

Some gifted kids, especially those with high artistic intelligence, love the sights and sounds of nature. Their curiosity and talents of observation may be on full display when out in nature.



FINAL THOUGHTS

Identifying gifted children can be challenging. Some of these children will be so extremely talented that it is impossible to hide their brilliance. Others may hide it for fear of being different and thus be rejected by their own peers.

Labeling a child as gifted (especially when they are not) can put an immense amount of unnecessary pressure and anxiety on the child, killing the creative spirit that is so part of the gifted ones.

So, be aware of how your child is developing. If you notice any of these signs of a gifted child in one of your children, encourage them to keep exploring it in their own advanced and unique ways.

But beware, some children will hide their “gift” because they fear what “others might think”. Some boys may be brilliant musicians but may shy away from it because their mates may think it’s too girly. Or a natural dancer may not want to do ballet because “there is no money in it”. It is here where a positive and involved parent or teacher can guide the gifted child and encourage them to develop the special talents that they have received, irrespective of what others think.

In the end, it is gifted children, if given the necessary opportunity and encouragement, who will grow up to transform our world into a better place.

So, if you believe your child is gifted, encourage, encourage, encourage!