Just curious to how others handle this, particularly with HG kiddos that give off that eerily "knowing" or a little-too-adult vibe, which can rub adult authority figures the VERY wrong way sometimes.
There are instances in which such assumptions really, really matter-- for example, if your child is involved in disciplinary or criminal proceedings, or interacting with first respondiers or law enforcement, they may be viewed with suspicion, even if they are (legitimately) just trying very much to do the right thing (reporting a crime, telling what they saw or heard, exercising their own civil liberties, etc).
HG+ children may see consequences and outcomes far better than many adults in those situations, and may express very adult insights into the behavior, thinking, and motivations of others. In other words, they simply know things that most people can't/won't-- and worse, they often (being children) don't HIDE that they know them. Rather than being child-like, they may be knowing/solemn or express emotions that are not typical-- for example, pity for a classmate that has assaulted them, or concern for a child who has stolen an item... that kind of thing.
Some adults have never encountered a child like this before-- and may assume sociopathy or another pathology rather than the truth (which is profound asynchrony and high level logical thinking and emotional regulation).
What have others found to be particularly effective? What do you teach your CHILDREN about interacting with strangers as legitimate authority figures (such as a police officer or college dean, for example)?
