How do I help my academically gifted child?

 

First thing first. Admit that you can not do it alone. Their curious mind is always asking questions, little heads busy inventing stuff. Stuff that matters to them, stuff that bothers them. You alone can never find that much time to dedicate towards their growing demands. So what to do? Buddy up. Follow their lead. Ask questions like they do. Their teachers, other parents, neighbors, all within your social circle provide you information you are looking for. As a parent, not knowing about available resources around me always bothers me the most. I believe, you can never have too much information.

So, I started asking questions. I found bits and pieces of information like teacher references and enrichment programs around the area. Soon enough, I met other parents with similar questions. Much to my surprise, soon other parents started taking serious note of what I thought about a particular program, competition or test. Much like me, they needed the company too. Sounds like win win situation to me. My contribution to my kids education started with their interest in math. From picture books, interactive jump start series of computer games, electronic toys, wooden Jenga to books that describe how those are made, they were content when occupied. Honestly, I thought I was sailing pretty fine keeping up with their demands.

Then, school district informed me about benchmarking test results and official gifted identification. Not all schools can support additional programs for gifted kids. Allotted funds help schools carry out the grade level programs successfully but what about gifted kids? Me and many other parents had found their newly added challenge. We decided to gather our forces. I joined a volunteer organization that focuses on gifted kids and their well rounded development. That’s where I started my journey as a Mom of not one or two but more than hundred gifted kids.  

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