Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums General Discussion Tell your child sensitivity related to giftedness?

Yes yes yes!!

I was always ostracized as a kid/young adult because of my sensitivities and didn't match it up with my giftedness until I started researching gifted behavior because of my kids. I had always thought there was something "wrong" with me. Oh, had someone told me!! I would have beaten myself up SO MUCH LESS.

I've told DD9 that the reason she's so sensitive is because she's smart (I've never used the "G" word with my kids because I don't want them to repeat it at their non-gifted school).

(I've also tried to explain this to non-gifted DH with little success - he just thinks the three of us, myself, DD9 and DS8 are "mentally unstable" ...but he loves us anyway, lol ;p ) I've kind of given up on him understanding this and I've just let it go.

Anyway. I've told DD9 that she has her brain volume "turned up." This makes her smart, AND more reactive (sensitive). I've stressed emphatically that she not feel bad about it - it's part of what makes her lucky - but to be prepared because many, MANY people do not understand. I've told her that she mustn't take their reactions personally, and that there's nothing wrong with her.

I'm not saying that your child will suffer the way that I did, but I am a HUGE advocate of telling.