We get asked that all the time following coversations with ds. It seems more and more people are aware of giftedness, and it seems that we tend to interact with people who have had some experience, either personal or through family or other friends, with giftedness. I have decided to embrace it and have taught ds to do the same. I am open with him about the positives of being gifted and the challenges that go along with that as well. I used to feel the need to say "yes, he is gifted" and then follow up with a negative like, "but we also have the challenges that go along with that like overexcitabilities..." Now, I do not do that because I don't think it's good for ds. It is what it is, and people who know me know I'm not a "braggy" person. It's just a statement of fact. I understand, though, that it seems like you're boasting about your child. Sometimes I'll say, "yes, after a lot of research about some unique issues we were having, we decided that testing was in order and ds was diagnosed with giftedness. It's wonderful and challenging at the same time." If they ask more questions, I elaborate, but I don't offer mounds of info without being prompted.
Now, NO ONE, asks if ds is gifted because of his parents! LOL The 6 year old is the brightest one in the family. I was identified as mildly gifted when I was a child, but certainly not to the extent of my son. His biological father, who is deceased, was highly-profoundly gifted I am sure, but was never formally identified. If he was still around, I'm sure people would make the connection!
