Challenges

There are several challenges facing gifted children.

They often develop at different rates intellectually, emotionally, and physically.

What this means is that a five year old who can read may still have a tantrum when he doesn’t get what he wants.

Or a seven year old can tell a detailed story but can't sit down and write it at the same speed.

A child who is intellectually gifted may be right where he should be on an emotional and physical level.

What’s important is that both parents and teachers recognize this varying development.

They can't expect a gifted child to act like an adult just because they read like one.

A surprising view some people have is that these children don't do well socially. This is simply not true in most cases.

Gifted children are good at forming and keeping friends. They are able to reason better when conflicts arise and solve the problems.

Gifted children often prefer the company of older friends. When they're with others their age they have less in common and they may choose to go it alone.

This can get them branded a loner or unable to make friends when in reality this is not the case.

Some gifted children face frustration and boredom in the regular classroom. They need work at their level not simply more of it.

When this happens gifted children can underachieve. Often because they simply figure there's no point in bothering if they are not learning anything.

Another challenge facing the gifted child is self-esteem. These children, especially during the teenage years, need to feel accepted.

This is true for both gifted girls and gifted boys. Sometimes their giftedness can be viewed as a problem and they begin to hide it. They feel different and out of step.

Also, gifted children feel deeply about ideas about fairness and what is right. They go through the stages of moral development earlier then their peers.

Teachers and parents need to be informed about the social and emotional needs of these children.

Their support and encouragement goes a long way in building confidence and lets gifted children know that they have a right to learn.


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