Navigating Genius: How Parents Can Handle and Support An Extraordinarily Gifted Child
Living with a child who is perceived to be a genius is an experience packed with emotions, challenges, and opportunities. As a parent, one's approach to nurturing and guiding such a child can significantly impact their future and overall well-being. In this article, we explore the journey of one parent who has navigated the complexities of raising a child with exceptional intelligence.
The Early Signs
Recognizing that your child is a potential genius often begins with subtle signs. For me, the journey started around the age of 9 months when my eldest son showed early signs of walking and talking. By age four, I had a firm belief that my son was indeed different - a belief that was mirrored in my youngest son as well, manifesting around the age of eight.
My oldest sister, though also a gifted student, faced her own challenges, ultimately dropping out of college and losing her full ride scholarships. Her story underscores the complexities of giftedness, where a child's extraordinary abilities can sometimes overshadow the importance of a rounded education and personal growth.
Supporting a Gifted Child
Encouraging a gifted child involves understanding their unique needs and providing the right support. Instead of dismissing their potential or allowing them to coast without effort, I took a different approach. My goal was to instill the values of persistence, resilience, and a growth mindset. Here are some strategies that I implemented:
Recognizing Effort Over Innate Intelligence
A focus on effort over innate intelligence is crucial. I emphasized that the work they put in, not their innate intelligence, leads to success. This concept is reinforced by the idea that one can control their efforts and improve over time, whereas innate intelligence is immutable.
Mentorship and Encouragement
Even when others lauded their intelligence, I would gently redirect their focus and explain the importance of a growth mindset. For instance, when my older son's teachers seemed to believe he didn't need to engage as deeply because he was so smart, I intervened, emphasizing the importance of active learning and engagement.
Encouraging Trials and Failures
I encouraged my children to try activities where they might fail, teaching them to maintain a positive attitude, and use each failure as a learning opportunity. Whether it was pursuing flying lessons at 16, or engaging in academic pursuits, I stressed the value of resilience and continuous effort.
Highlighting Work and Resilience
Regularly acknowledging and praising their efforts, rather than just their success, helped build their resilience. It reinforced the idea that growth and development are ongoing processes, and that they are integral to success.
The Legacy of My Sons
My eldest son, who earned his graduate degree from the University of Texas in Austin, is now working there. He exemplifies the power of persistence and recognition of effort. Tragically, my younger son graduated magna cum laude but passed away in 2013. While multiple streams of support and encouragement were in place, his passing serves as a poignant reminder of the broader challenges gifted children face.
Conclusion
Navigating the journey with a child who is a genius requires a delicate balance of support, encouragement, and a growth mindset. By focusing on effort and resilience, parents can help their children thrive in both their academic and personal lives. Understanding and addressing the unique needs of gifted children is crucial, and it can make all the difference in their future successes.
Ultimately, the goal is to raise children who are not only academically successful but also emotionally resilient and equipped to navigate the complexities of life with confidence and determination.