There is some food for thought in Billy's post. I was a gifted kid with NO recognition or services. It was horrible. But I have had to be careful with my own gifted D (now 15) to strike a balance. I agree that I see a few parents out here who are overboard, especially when their kids are at a very young age.
But if our kids, for example, don't take the SAT or some other talent search test, then they can't go to programs like CTY. And in retrospect, getting my kid into communities (in person or online) with other gifted kids has been one of the things we did right. I am not saying that pushing your kids to study for those exams is the right thing to do (my D took a sample test prior to each SAT sitting, and that is it). But I think there is something to be said for having them take the tests. My kid LOVES Cogito and THINK, and would not be involved in either if she had not taken the tests.
Also, additional testing does sometimes reveal useful information. My D also has a non-verbal learning disability, and getting that diagnosed has been a big benefit for her. Her grades have gone up, and her frustration level has gone down.
Tallulah, I am not sure my kid will be better employee material than I am (I run my own business, and with good reason) no matter what I do. I don't think forcing her peg to fit into the wrong shaped hole during these childhood years is going to accomplish that. My goal has been to help her find and pursue interests that might lead to a career where her intellect is the most valued component. Of course I want her to have basic social skills and a good work ethic. But I am realistic about her "fit" in the world, too.
Last edited by intparent; 12/06/10 09:36 AM.
