Socialization

One dictionary defines socialization as: “Learning the customs, attitudes, and values of a social group, community, or culture. It is essential for the development of individuals who can participate and function within their societies, as well as for ensuring that a society's cultural features will be carried on through new generations. Socialization is most strongly enforced by family, school, and peer groups and continues throughout an individual's lifetime.”.

At school, children are influenced by teachers and peers. Children must learn to conquer social interaction almost from day one. It can be very sad for parents when they realize that their child isn't fitting in with the group.

It's hard for parents to imagine why anyone would not like their child and it hurts. There is so much to learn about making and keeping friends and they need to do it quickly.

Gifted children excel in academics but this does not guarantee that they will do the same socially.

However, it is a myth that all gifted children will have social problems. They are like other children and must learn to adjust to school life.

If gifted children do not make and keep friends the way their age related peers do, it does not make it wrong.

Gifted children do want friends that are on their level so that they can talk and do like activities together. This is the same thing that their age related peers want.

It can happen that teachers make an issue about the friends gifted children have. Perhaps the teacher feels that the child should have age or grade related friends when this is not what these children need.

Ideally, an issue about friendships or getting along in the group should not be raised out of lack of information.

The question that is often asked is: are all children in the inclusive classroom really peers with the gifted child?

If the child is happy with one friend, why does he need more? Parents sometimes think that their gifted child should play with many children not just one or two.

If the child is doing well and enjoying school and is okay with one or two friends. Why make an issue where one doesn't exist.

Some gifted children use humour as a way to help them deal with stress and to help them in social situations. It can be therapeutic in the sense that they use it as an outlet.

School is not the only place where children learn about socialization. Many families choose home schooling and their children are as well adjusted as any other.

Children meet peers in other activities outside school like sports, music, and play dates.

Many parents do not want their children to simply fall in line and be sheep. They want their children to have a mind of their own and think for themselves.

At the same time, they are forced to conform to school rules and regulations.

Parents need to be involved with the school and listen to their children in case there are issues that they need help with.

From Socialization to Home