We can't address the GT until they decide he isn't a behavior / LD problem. ugh.
Hi Mom of GT boys!
Welcome~
I believe that one can't address behavior/LD problems untill a child is given learning opportunities that fit his 'readiness level' which in your sons case means: GT.
Can you imagine a ND (normally developing) 5 year old in a Middleschool Classroom? Would he appear to have a behavior problem? You bet! Can you imagine a 12 year old in a Kindy classroom that was being treated by the teachers as though 'doing all the kindy work' was the only way for the 12 to grow up healthy and strong? Would the 12 year old seem 'off task' and 'in his own world' and 'disrespectful of athority' and 'class clown' and 'has his own agenda' and 'doesn't take criticism well' Oh Yes!
I'm not saying that you child isn't unusual - I'm sure he is: So measuring his 'maturity' against a normal yardstick isn't going to work.
Does he cry when something makes him sad? Oh he's immature.
Does he talk instead of hit? Oh he's mature
Does he worry about Global Warming? Oh, he's mature.
Does he dissagree with teacher when she does illogical things? Oh, he is immature.
And so on....I've had to accept that my own kid is on an 'Alternate Path of Development.'
I still want respectful, kind behavior out of him, but I also try not to leave him in situations that are more than he can handle, when possible. When he was two, DH and I still were bringing him out to resturants with us, but if he started to get loud, then one of us would take him to the car. Were we teaching him respect for other diners? Probably not, but since we wanted resturant food, and didn't want to leave him at home, we took responsibility on his behalf. DS is 12 now, and that doesn't happen anymore, but we are still trying to find the edge where he can be in situations where 'if he tries' then he can succede in behaving responsibly. Yes?
Grinty
