Having a child is a great gift of nature. So when nature bestows upon you a gifted child, what would you do? Would you frown upon the possibilities of raising a special child in an ever demanding society? Or will you rise up to the occasion and help your child steer safely through their initial years of accommodating into the big bad world? The characteristics of gifted children are no different than those of normal children, except that the former might find it a little hard to adjust among peers in school. Gifted children act differently in the junior and senior years at school and their behavior provide valuable insights to better understand these creatures.

Journeying through school

Gifted children are sensitive to feelings of indifference but might not be able to fully express those sensibilities. Gaining popularity in a peer group is another troublesome activity for these children in later years of school. This is not entirely the case when these kids are in primary school. According to common observation, gifted children are well liked by their peers in elementary school. Circumstances take a turn for the worst when gifted children get into middle school. These children lose their relevance in the transforming peer groups and they find it hard to adjust among their peers. As a result, they become lonely and are referred to as nerds by their classmates.

Common problems faced by gifted kids

Gifted children lack some basic skills that normal kids have at their disposal. Learning to read and write are two such skills where these children show weakness and both are important tools to prosper in society. Due to this reason, gifted kids might be considered dumb by their peers and teachers which can lead to bullying in the classrooms. Gifted girls might also hear a lot of harsh statements from her girlfriends on the way she looks and dresses. “If she can’t look beautiful, she’s worthless” goes the not so old high school saying. A gifted boy, on the other hand, will be identified as a nerd and left to bear the brunt of never-ending jokes. Peer pressure for kids can prove fatal if not identified earlier.

Role of parents

Parents should support their kids throughout and value them for what they really are. None, except parents, can really know their children and they should act accordingly. As far as schools are concerned, they should seek the services of psychologists or counselors to cater to the needs of gifted children and to keep them motivated. Since, parents know that gifted children find it hard to socially adjust in peer groups; they can find specific groups for their children that include other special children.