Guest post by Chris Brantner

This week, July 18 – 24,  is National Parenting Gifted Children Week. In an effort to raise awareness, The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) has outlined a number of opportunities for spreading the word in your community about gifted children and the importance of high quality education.

Gifted and talented children often show signs that go unnoticed for years. Everyone likes to believe their children are gifted. But how do you know if a child is truly gifted and talented? Here are a few signs that a gifted child might show.

1. They find beauty where others don’t Often visually gifted kids will see the world differently than the average child their age. Where a normal child sees a tree, the gifted child might take note of the way the leaves dance in the wind. They might even grow emotional over the beauty they find.
2. They love to argue Don’t confuse this with being spoiled or rebellious. Gifted children often have impressive control over spoken word. They’re able to manipulate language and persuade. And they certainly want you to know when and why they believe they’re right.
3. They search for the meaning of life You might find your child asking questions that seem above their level. They might ask what this all means or why they’re here. Such existentialist leanings could even make them prone to depression later on in life if they aren’t taught how to direct their thoughts.
4. Impatient and disrespectful Some gifted kids just know things and have a hard time understanding why others don’t. As a result, they have little patience for those who don’t understand what they consider simple logic. These gifted children might be seen as disrespectful, as they have a hard time not challenging authority when punishments are deemed illogical.
5. Bored in school Gifted kids often find school too easy. They coast through their activities just to sit and stare. Or worse, they refuse to do their assignments because they seem pointless. Often these students end up acting out and getting themselves in trouble. They’re labeled “trouble makers” but really all they need is a good challenge.
6. They disassemble things and put them back together Some gifted students share two qualities. They’re curious and gifted with their hands. As a result, you might find them taking your cell phone apart, studying it, and attempting to put it back together. Meanwhile, their friends are playing with stuffed animals. Don’t get mad. Try to find ways to satisfy their curiosity and mechanical prowess. Try out this Design a Cell Phone game instead!

Keep in mind that the above signs don’t guarantee a gifted child. They also may occur independently in children. Or your child could show all of them. Whatever the case, if you think you have a gifted child on your hands, talk to a gifted specialist at your child’s school. They can perform the necessary tests and give you advice on how to handle your potentially gifted and talented child.

Author Byline

Chris Brantner

Chris Brantner is a father and a teacher. He also heads up his own agency that offers copywriting services.