You’ve always suspected your child is gifted, but now you know for sure. What do you do next? Read on to find out.
You’ve always known.
Perhaps it was the eerie sense of awareness at birth, or the words that came before she was one. Maybe it was his shape and pattern recognition skills at 13 months, or his ability to perform simple math functions at one and a half. Or maybe you were tipped off by her uncanny ability at two years old to identify and empathize with adult emotions.
Whatever the hint, you’ve always known. And now, after rounds of testing and evaluation and triumph and heartache, you have confirmation.
Your child is gifted.
What in the world do you do now?
Embrace it
While you might not mention your child’s giftedness in casual conversation, rest assured someone else will. Don’t downplay or apologize for your child’s abilities. Gifted doesn’t mean superior – it means different. This is your chance to share that knowledge.
Lead, but follow
Having proof of giftedness is vindicating. It’s also complicating: with concrete evidence of your child’s abilities comes a desire to channel and enrich. But all children – poppy or not – are keenly aware of their own limits. Listen when a child says “I’m not interested.” You’ll honor his individuality, encourage his independence, and celebrate the passions he wants to pursue.
Anticipate advocacy
Just because a child is gifted doesn’t mean she won’t need accommodations. In some educational settings, misconceptions about gifted children are the rule, not the exception. You may have to advocate for your child’s intellectual needs, especially when it comes to appropriate placement and necessary emotional support. The truth is, gifted children are still children. Intellect doesn’t equal maturity.
Build a village
Raising poppies isn’t easy, and you shouldn’t have to do it alone. Seek out resources to create a sense of community and prevent isolation. Organizations such as SENG, Hoagie’s Gifted Education, the National Association for Gifted Children, and Gifted Homeschoolers Forum offer a wealth of information and support at the click of a mouse. NAGC offers checklists and information for finding enrichment opportunities in your area.
Let yourself grieve
A gifted designation often comes with a secondary diagnosis. This means your child is twice exceptional; a brilliant mind challenged by sensory, learning, or developmental disabilities. It’s okay to face with this with sadness or trepidation. Let those feelings run their course, then arm yourself with information from the resources above. Your child is the same person she was the day before your diagnosis. Feel what you’re going to feel, then move on.
Most importantly, love your child unconditionally
Nothing has changed. Confirmation of your suspicions does nothing to the bond you share with your child.
After all, you’ve always known.
You’ve always loved.
You’ve always been her advocate.
That’s what you do now.
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