The Gifted Label

The reactions I get when using the gifted label surprised me. When someone asks about my daughter and I tell them she is gifted, I get a variety of responses.

They include such things as: “that must be hard for you,” “she will get teased a lot,” “aren’t you lucky” and of course the “oh...” --long pause-- change of subject.

People don’t react that way when you say...”my son’s a great hockey player” or “my daughter can really play the piano...”

It seems the term gifted makes some people uncomfortable and sometimes brings out a negative reaction.

Is it jealousy? Lack of understanding? Or due in part of society’s lack of awareness about gifted children in general.

One mother told me “...aren’t you lucky. My daughter has trouble to read, your daughter will sail through school never needing anything extra."

I did my best to explain that this simply isn’t true. My daughter needs to be challenged and needs work at her level.

I don’t go around telling everyone that I meet that my daughter is gifted, but if someone asks about her, I mention it.

I am very proud of her and who she is. I want to people to understand that she is still a child, with the likes and dislikes of other children.

The gifted term is necessary for school purposes. In order for school boards and governments to do anything for our children they require some type of label be placed upon them.

No matter what words you use to describe these children; gifted, bright, talented, smart, quick. They need our support and understanding.

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