Well that optimism was short-lived!
Miss 4 was just wonderful. She was resilient, flexible and robust. There were no tantrums, toilet accidents or hiding under desks - my worst fears. She did so amazing well. At day's end though her teacher conceded that she had deep reservations about accelerating her because of her emotional maturity. There's nothing more that Moo could have done. She has the lifskills of a 4 year old with a PG brain.
I couldn't have been more depressed...
But when I got home, hubby was sprightly. He had attended a presentation with a visiting specialist and felt like the penny had dropped. He's confident and self-assured, while I'm feeling hopeless and blindsided. Given the school suggested that Miss 4 attend this class 1 day per week to transition for next year, I assumed that they understood giftedness. I wasn't expecting to hear "let her be a little girl while she can"...
Alternatives? Well, I don't legally have to register as a hs until she's 6. Perhaps she can go to school part time next year, and hs the rest?
My gut tells me that I have to develop a helluva lot more resilience myself. As a non-confrontationalist from way back, I guess I was hoping that gaining understanding would involve less fighting.
My silver lining today is that I've organised for the visiting specialist to come over to my house this morning to do a small group workshop with a few other mums. Hopefully I'll be singing a different tune in a few hours and be as optimistic and hopeful as my husband!!!!
jojo
