my daughter was writing at age 4...lots and lots...sounding out words and reading books...but if you asked her what a y says...you might not have gotten an answer. Also, just because a child knows his colors and shapes at 18 months, doesn't mean he will be reading at 4...
But I too am amazed that some children just can't get things. I tend to wonder if the parents aren't exposing them. There have been children I know very well, who I assumed would be in special education when attnding public school, but are considered above average in reading.
That one really throws you. When you think an above average child is slow because your view on things is so skewed..But I also wonder sometimes...
our gifted children often know how to hide their gifts to fit it. They are sometimes laughed at for their advanced comments by adults who think that they are cute for trying to be adult like. They are misunderstood...but so might average children. Some average children might not come across as smart as they are.
So, emotional issues, anxiety, lack of exposure or lack of self esteem may make them seem less inteligent. Also, we see these children when our own children are around. I'm sure that the average child knows that the gifted children can out-do them and maybe don't even try.
Just as it is hard to figure out a gifted child who is around average children, it is hard to get a good read on an average child who is around a gifted one.
I just feel so weird when my gifties are playing with average children and mom is there...and they start saying things like..."oh, my dd could never do what your dd just did." Or they start putting their own child down. Then they start thinking something is wrong with their child. I have had to tell people not to compare their children to mine...it's not fair. My children are way above average...but what does that sound like? That sounds like...don't worry my kids are just smarter than most kids...don't compare your kid to mine because she'll never be that smart...
This messes up friendships..and it's just such a hard thing to smooth over.
I try to focus on my friend's issues and milestones. I know what she is working on and I show that I am happy for her when she makes the milestones...Unfortunately, I cannot share my children's milestones as freely. Because I get "well, she's just good at everything."...NO happy feelings there. So...well, I just went on a long rant..
sorry...
I had to get that out.
