My kid is gifted.
G-g-g-gifted. I used to stumble over the word if I said it at all.
Parents are afraid of using the g-word. Once you throw it out there, people assume certain things about you and about your child. They might even think that you are That Parent.
Well, folks, I am.
I am the parent of a gifted kid.
Today, I’m talking about it.
My Kid is Gifted. (Yes, I’m THAT Mom.)
I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone. I’m right there, in the throes, with all of you. And I want to help you if I can.
On this site, I write about homeschooling my gifted children, my little poppies. If you are wondering where the term poppies came from, you need to pause for a moment and read this article by Miraca Gross. It’s a classic.
Go ahead.
Read it.
I’ll be right here when you come back.
Are you the parent of a poppy, too?
If so, you’ve come to the right place. These kids have become one of my life’s passions. Today, I’m sharing some of the posts I’ve written in the hope that they will help you on your journey.
What is giftedness?
The word gifted comes with many myths and misconceptions. I wish everyone would talk about giftedness more, even if they don’t love the label because talking about it increases understanding.
Asynchronous Development and the Gifted Child
Gifted Overexcitabilities in Real Life: OEs IRL
Asynchronous Development in Gifted Children [Guest Post for Raising Lifelong Learners]
The Dreaded G-Word: When Your Child is Asynchronous [GeekMom]
Giftedness: Myths vs. Reality [Year Round Homeschooling]
7 Things I’ve Learned from Raising a Gifted Child [Guest post for Boston Mamas]
6 Truths About Gifted Kids [iHomeschool Network]
On realizing your child is gifted
We knew our son was different from the very beginning. We knew he was gifted for a few years before we were comfortable saying the word at home. Giftedness is a journey and there is never a dull moment!
Profoundly Gifted Guilt (0-60)
Parenting Gifted
Let’s face it: Parenting can be hard, and so it makes sense that parenting a child different from the norm would be super duper hard and it IS. Be sure to find a community of parents so that you have a strong support network. I am thankful every day for Raising Poppies– it’s like a breath of fresh air to connect with folks in there!
I’m Sensitive. What’s Your Super Power?
Perfectionism and the Gifted Child
When Your Child is a Perfectionist
This Too Shall Pass… But in the Meantime, I’m Asking for Help
No, I Didn’t Help My Kids with their Valentine’s Day Cards
Testing
Testing your child is a personal decision, based on your unique child and family. I cannot tell you whether or not to test, but I can tell you how our family came to the decision, and I can also tell you a bit about school-based school psychologists.
Giftedness: To Test or Not to Test
What I Wish I’d Learned: A School Psychologist Learns About Giftedness [Guest Post for Gifted Homeschoolers Forum]
Twice-Exceptional (2E)
Parenting and educating a twice-exceptional child can be tricky business. Often, folks only want to see one part of the child. Others may believe that your child is so intelligent that they do not need help. Other times, people can only see the weakness and not the giftedness. The reality is, many children are twice-exceptional.
The Best Sensory Gifts for Kiddos
Best Laid Plans: When Anxiety Throws You for a Loop
Little Kids with BIG Worries [Simple Homeschool]
Homeschooling Children with Sensory Stuff [Year Round Homeschooling]
Riding the Waves of Anxiety [Year Round Homeschooling]
When Your Child Has Sensory Processing Disorder [Year Round Homeschooling]
School
Educating a gifted child can be challenging. Public school may work well for some, private for others, etc. Many parents of gifted children homeschool for all or part of their children’s education.
Kindergarten Registration Reservations
I Don’t Need a Third Strike, Folks. I’m Out.
Gifted Achievement: Breaking Free of that Proverbial Box
Educating Gifted Children: Learning to Let Go
Washing Away the Public School Mindset
Homeschool
I never set out to homeschool. As a school psychologist and product of public education, it was never on my radar. It has been the most expected, most wonderful journey of our lives so far.
Suddenly, Unexpectedly Homeschooling (“You’re Gonna WHAT?!”)
Gifted Homeschooling Curriculum: Pre-K, K, and 2nd Grade
The Unexpected Gift of Giftedness: Homeschooling
5 Things You Should Never Say to an Unexpected Homeschooler
101 Things I’ve Learned from Homeschooling My Gifted Son
10 Things Mom Learned in Homeschool This Year
10 Things to Be Thankful for About Homeschooling
Evolution of a First-Year Homeschooler
Homeschooling Outliers: A Glimpse into Our Homeschool Life
How Much Time Does Homeschooling Really Take?
Cait’s Homeschool Day in the Life (with a 7-, 6-, and 4-year-old) [Simple Homeschool]
Never in a Million Years Did I Imagine Myself Homeschooling [GeekMom]
Homeschooling a Square Peg [Year Round Homeschooling]
Resources and Support
When we first started on this gifted journey, I read everything I could get my hands on. It’s how I deal with stress. Here are some of my favorite resources.
40+ Sites to Bookmark if Your Child is Gifted
I See You, Poppy Parent [Recognizing Giftedness in Others]
Finding and Forging Gifted Friendships
Top Gifted, 2E, and Homeschool Resources
Raising Poppies: Supporting Parents of Gifted and Twice-Exceptional Children
Portcullis Peeps: What They Are and How to Find Them [GeekMom]
It’s okay to be THAT mom
The trouble with the word gifted is that it conjures images of neatly wrapped packages. It implies one has been given something, something better.
That’s simply not my reality. Our reality is not as neat and clean. It’s messier. And exciting. And frustrating. And amazing. And confusing. And, sometimes, it’s scary.
Gifted children are no better than their peers, they are just different. And just like other populations that differ significantly from the norm, gifted children need support in order to thrive.
I think it’s perfectly okay to be THAT mom, the mom of a gifted kid.
Wondering if your child is gifted/2e?
Now, it’s your turn. Tell me: Are you THAT mom, too? How did you first recognize giftedness in your child? Share here!
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Yes… I am THAT mom. 😉
Thanks for all of the resources, sweet lady. I love that so many of your great posts are at my fingertips right here. <3
xo!
I went to public school, but I was one of those gifted kids. I had to transfer into a different school because my own didn’t have the classes I would need. To be honest, although I loved school (socially), it really was boring for me. I kind of drifted through, getting good grades without even trying because I knew how to play the game. In a way the label stifled me. When I went to my guidance counselor as a junior to schedule the next year’s classes, he refused to let me take accounting and bookkeeping- two things I really wanted to learn. “Those are business classes. You have to take college prep classes.” After questioning why I wanted to take those classes, I told him that I planned on opening a dance studio. He almost sneered at me, “You want to be a DANCE TEACHER?!” I was humiliated and never did go on to realize that dream that I had held since I was a little girl. I’ve never thought of what it must be like as a parent of a gifted child. Honestly, I don’t think my parents noticed much because they left everything in the hands of the schools, and since I was doing well, they never questioned it. I still wonder today where I would be if I’d have been homeschooled.
I think about this all the time, Shelly! I was similar- I loved the social aspect and pulled off great grades. I wasn’t challenged at all and never put forth much effort. How terrible of that guidance counselor!
I have been struggling with my child and only seeing negative. This has not only shed light but has turned the light bulb on. I was stating to feel very alone until I stumbled upon this. Wow I LOVE LOVE LOVE! It is helping me to finally understand how to advocate for my son.
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