Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy Finding Common Ground

Scouts work for my boy because my dh was a den leader and is now cub master and very involved. And son has best friend in his group that he wants to be with (also gifted) that we skipped him out of being in the same grade with him. So he enjoys his time with his best friend. Also it is a very laid back group.

Leaders make a big difference in scouts (and 4H, too)

My son is in cub scouts (my DH is his den leader), and I found it very interesting that there were quite a few gifted kids in our pack...

My DD's Girl Scout troop spent most of its time doing boring art projects. She didn't stick around long.

For boys, sports, video games, or music seemed to work - to some extent.

I agree. The good news is that this can turn into a DIY project for parents who are so inclined. Most programs are happy to have new leaders form clubs/packs/troups.

DS has expressed interest, off-and-on every six months or so, in learning to play the keyboard or guitar. Since there are quite a few kids at his school with artistic talents, this may be something to seriously consider. I recently noticed a local shop has opened offering piano and drum lessons, and we are considering buying him a real guitar for Christmas.

One of the kids from last year, whom DS looked up to (he moved on to high school), played drum. He thought he was the coolest kid.

From SENG: Promoting Positive Social Development

This is an excellent article, thanks for posting it. This article has stood the test of time, and in the two decades which have passed since it was authored, a few more books have been written which may be of interest. The websites of Great Potential Press, Prufrock Press, and free spirit publishing are some to check.

A favorite thought from the article - the concept of "peer" as an intellectual peer, not a chronological age peer is valuable to keep in mind and share with gifted kiddos.