First published: 4 January 2023 @ 6:00 pm
Every child is unique and has different talents and abilities. Gifted children are no exception. They need special attention and care to ensure they grow up to be successful adults.
As parents, it is your responsibility to provide the best possible environment for your children. But how do you know that your kids are gifted? Here are the signs and 10 ways to nurture your gifted children.
Signs of a Gifted Child
Unusual Memory
Memory is one of the most common signs of giftedness. Gifted children often have unusually good memories of details and information.
They may be able to remember what someone said a few minutes ago, or what happened on a specific day several years ago.
When it comes to maths and other abstract concepts, they may be able to process information more quickly and accurately than others.
Ask Lots of Questions
Gifted traits often include a curiosity and thirst for knowledge. This is why gifted children are often good at asking lots of questions.
They want to know everything there is to know, and they don’t mind taking the time to figure things out for themselves.
Witty Sense of Humor
Gifted children often have a witty sense of humor. They may be able to make jokes that other people don’t get, or they may be able to take the simplest things and turn them into hilarious stories.
This sense of humor can be a valuable asset in life as it helps them to take things in stride and have fun no matter what.
Set a High Standard for Themselves
Intellectual ability is one of the most common signs of giftedness. Gifted children often set high standards for themselves and strive to be the best they can be.
They may be perfectionists, and they may feel a great sense of responsibility for their own success.
10 Ways for Nurturing Gifted Children
1. Support Them
Gifted individuals often have high expectations for themselves and need encouragement to reach their full potential. Let them know you believe in them and are proud of their accomplishments.
Parents can also help gifted children develop their talents by exposing them to different types of activities and learning opportunities.
2. Be a Role Model
A good role model is essential for gifted children. They need to see that hard work and dedication are rewarded.
Be sure to set an example yourself and show your child that success is possible no matter what your background or level of experience.
If you have difficulty meeting your child’s expectations, talk to a professional about how you can help your child develop self-confidence.
3. Encourage Socializing
As gifted children often have a high level of intelligence, they may find it difficult to socialize with others.
Encourage them to join extracurricular activities and clubs. This will give them opportunities to meet new people and develop their social skills.
Additionally, encourage your child to participate in family activities such as vacations and dinners will help them develop a strong network of support.
4. Provide Challenging Activities
Challenging activities will help your child develop problem-solving ability and creative thinking.
Activities such as chess, video gaming, maths puzzles, or other board games can be very stimulating for gifted children.
The insatiable curiosity of gifted children can also be stimulated by activities such as science experiments, learning foreign languages, and exploring new hobbies.
5. School Specialty Programs
If your child is struggling in school, consider enrolling them in a specialty program. These programs are designed to help gifted children with specific difficulties.
Some of these programs include accelerated learning programs, dual enrollment programs, and talented programs.
Gifted education programs can also provide your child with individualized support.
6. Encourage Creative Expression
Talent development often occurs when children are allowed to express their creativity.
Like musical instruments, art supplies, and writing tools, gifted children often have a unique perspective that needs to be shared.
Provide your child with the opportunity to develop their creative skills by encouraging them to create homemade crafts, paint, and sculpt together.
7. Promote Independence
Encourage your child to become self-sufficient as early as possible. This will help them develop a strong work ethic and independence.
Help them develop life skills such as budgeting, cooking, and managing their time.
Use creative approaches to teaching these skills, such as providing your child with a project they have to complete on their own.
8. Help Them Manage Stress
Intellectual curiosity can be a double-edged sword. Gifted children often have high expectations and are often under pressure to achieve more.
Help them learn to manage their stress by providing them with positive reinforcement and encouraging them to take breaks.
They may also find it helpful to talk to a therapist or counselor about their feelings.
9. Emphasize the Importance of Family
Family is the foundation of a gifted child’s life. They need to feel loved and appreciated. Make time for your child to be with you and their siblings.
Share your own experiences and knowledge with them. Help them develop a strong sense of identity and self-worth.
10. Celebrate Their Achievements
Superior talent performance often starts with early recognition and encouragement. Celebrate your child’s successes in a special way.
Give them a special gift, write them a congratulatory note, or take them out to dinner to celebrate their accomplishments.
This will help your child feel appreciated and motivated to continue working hard. Also, keep in mind that not all gifted children are the same.
Some may be more verbal than others, for example. It is important to celebrate each child’s individual talents and abilities.
Final Thoughts
Gifted child today is tomorrow’s superstar. Nurture them with these 10 ways and watch them blossom into the amazing individuals they were meant to be.
As you nurture them, remember to also give them the freedom to explore their passions and talents.
For more information about parenting tips, visit our blog, Mature Parent, and share this article with your friends and family!
FAQs
What happens to gifted children when they grow up?
Gifted children are successful adults if they have access to a supportive environment and opportunities to develop their talents.
What does it mean if your child is gifted?
Generally, gifted people have a high level of ability in one or more areas. These areas might include creativity, intelligence, maths, or scientific abilities.
What are some common issues faced by gifted children?
Some common issues faced by gifted children include not being able to fit in, feeling different and alone, and not having the same skills as their peers.
Gifted child, homeschool or not?
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to homeschooling a gifted child. It depends on the child, their needs, and the family’s preference.
Parents of gifted children, when did you know?
Some parents may feel like they knew they had a special child from an early age. Others may not realize they have a gifted child until they start to show signs of being exceptional.
