It’s all good and well going along and discovering quite early on that you have an exceptionally gifted child on your hands to deal with here and I’m talking about the type of exceptionalism that can be seen by people beyond those who care the most about the children. As a parent, your child is special by default, but you’ll very quickly know when you’re dealing with an exceptional case, such as extreme talent in some or another area or even extreme good looks.
Luckily, for the most part, children just instinctively know how to deal with cases of having discovered their talents very early on, especially if they receive the kind of support that allows them to pursue and nurture their talents. It generally doesn’t go to their heads, even if they go on to really shine in their area of exceptionalism, which is a good thing, generally.
As a parent, however, it is your duty to make sure that exceptionalism is kept in check and managed properly because sometimes the pressures of this world outweigh the natural instinct we’re born with to be able to handle such situations. It’s a rather delicate situation, but by no means is it an impossible one to manage, requiring one of two approaches really.
First gauge the response
The approach you’re going to take in dealing with your exceptionally gifted child depends on how they respond to their exceptionalism, or more specifically how they respond to the manner in which their exceptionalism is received. Child (no matter how old they are, in actual fact) respond either by acting as if their exceptional gift will open doors for them just by virtue of their possessing that talent, or they respond a little more positively by working even harder to try and further improve on their gift or talent.
Nurturing the talent
Nurturing the exceptional talents of a gifted child involves a holistic approach encompassing various facets of their development. Toys, books, education, and parental support collectively play pivotal roles in fostering their unique abilities. Providing toys like christmas jigsaw puzzles or something similar to these which align with their interests and challenge their intellect can help stimulate creativity and problem-solving skills.
Likewise, selecting educational materials and books tailored to their advanced abilities can ensure intellectual engagement and encourage a love for learning. Enrolling them in educational programs or schools that cater to gifted individuals can further enhance their academic growth. Equally crucial is unwavering parental support, recognizing and celebrating their achievements while creating a nurturing environment that values curiosity and exploration. Balancing intellectual stimulation with emotional well-being is key, allowing the child to thrive academically and socially while fostering a healthy sense of self-esteem and confidence.
Reeling them in
As hard as it may be, it’s your duty to stop the creation of a monster in the making if you notice that your child’s exceptionalism is going to their head. Be the one to tell them that they can’t “eat their good looks” perhaps, in the case of them being constantly reminded of their attractiveness, and get other family members in on it too. They should get some good grounding through the simple things, like being made to wash the dishes and do other chores.
There’s no harm in adding just a bit of fuel to the fire and boosting their confidence every now and then, but from you, the praising of their exceptionalism should come with guidance.
Balance is still required though, so they must be reminded to pursue other elements of life.