Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy IQ test result versus reality?

DS often does not act like most people expect a gifted kid to act. He is goofy, does sloppy work, often refuses to do what he is told, and is definitely not good classroom material right now. There are some adults who interact with him on a regular basis who do not believe he is gifted; he certainly doesn't wow them with his often immature behavior.

Part of this stems from his school experience. It was drudgery, having to do pages of very basic arithmetic and read dozens of simple learn-to-read book, and not being allowed to move forward at his own pace. He spent years not being challenged. He lost his love of learning and is suspicious of teachers and classrooms. Why bother doing a good job when it's going to be more of the same old stuff tomorrow?

I don't think there is any one way for a gifted kid to act. Some kids (gifted or not) are goofy, some are serious. Some have sloppy work, others don't. Some are lazy, others aren't. Gifted kids are no different, but because they are gifted we somehow expect more of them.

Try figuring out what gets your daughter excited. What is her passion? For DS, that's often where I see the spark of giftedness.