You know your child is ‘gifted’ when you observe that she possesses a natural gift of a higher degree than the average mental ability or an inherent talent in a specific area of knowledge or skill. Such children are able to learn and grasp concepts far ahead of their peers. While it is certainly a fact that can fill any parents’ hearts with pride; what it truly entails is far more than mere pride. The role of parent(s) is key as far as nurturing and enhancing a gifted child’s true potential goes.
A gifted child, without a doubt, has the intelligence and talent which sets him or her apart from their peer group however this potential can truly be harnessed to the fullest degree when they are equipped with the right support in the form of resources and tools.
Let us look at some ways in which parents can uplift their gifted child’s potential further.
1. Encourage ‘failure’ – This does seem ridiculous but what it implies is that a gifted child need not always succeed. Parents must let their kids know that risk-taking and failing are possibilities when attempting something new. Children need not be ‘perfect’ at all times – mistakes allow them to learn and ‘relearn’ things which will equip them with the right emotional strength to deal with any kind of situation in their future.
2. Don’t hesitate to get help – As parents you may not always have the answers to all the questions – it is never a bad idea to get additional help. There are great options available, online and otherwise, with well-designed courses and tutorials which keep in mind the specific help that would benefit gifted children. ELearning sites such as etutorworld.com offer suitable preparatory courses for gifted children who can help them not only at school but also in getting through programmes such as the CTY at the John Hopkins Centre for Talented Youth- one of the premier programmes for gifted children.
3. Challenge them –It is essential that gifted children are not allowed to rest on their laurels. Encourage them to pick up new skills, languages or crafts – these would allow them to not only learn something different but also expose them to new experiences which will surely provide stimuli for curiosity and inventiveness. Parents can use community resources such as museums, national parks, libraries to enhance the child’s repertoire of new and interesting learning experiences.
4. Build emotional stability – While taking pride in your child’s intellectual superiority; the emotional quotient has to be of prime importance. Gifted children are generally known to be more sensitive than others so it is always a great idea to encourage them to be more open about their feelings. Talk to them as a friend; allow them to be more expressive and provide them with avenues to vent their emotions in positive ways. A happy child will always be a successful child.
5. Stay updated – While you may be aware of your child’s special abilities you need to be in constant touch with the teachers in order to understand how your child is performing at school. A gifted child is usually far ahead of the peers and so it helps if you check with the school and get additional assignments or activities planned for your gifted child. This will, without a doubt, help your child to stave off boredom and take a renewed interest in the class.
A gifted child may be ahead as far as academic progress goes however with some extra steps, parents can steer them to greater successes in life and that too with a smile.
