Dr. Charles Davenport, a licensed psychologist in Sarasota explains the various myths about gifted children so you don’t fall for the gifted label.
People often think that all gifted children are more intelligent than the average child their age or that they’re more creative or inventive than others.
However, these are just a few myths about gifted children that aren’t true at all. Here are eight myths about gifted children and why they’re not true.
Gifted children will succeed in life no matter what
It’s important to know that giftedness is not an indicator of success. Being gifted doesn’t mean a child will be successful, and being a successful adult doesn’t mean they were gifted.
Psychological testing conducted by psychologists in Sarasota has revealed that many factors go into determining how someone turns out, including genetics, environment, and chance. As a result, plenty of successful adults weren’t considered gifted as kids. And plenty of gifted kids don’t end up doing anything noteworthy with their lives.
Gifted children love school and get high grades
School is a good fit for some gifted kids, but not all of them. Some gifted kids struggle in school because they are bored or frustrated by their classes. Others are so smart that they finish their work quickly, leaving them with nothing to do in class.
If a gifted child is struggling in school, there are often accommodations they can be given to help them avoid depression and succeed. But, often, these students need to find another way to learn.
Gifted children are good at everything they do
Just because a child is gifted doesn’t mean they will succeed in every area of life. For example, some gifted kids struggle with social skills and might have trouble making friends.
Others might be so focused on one area that they don’t develop other skills. So it’s essential to encourage your child to explore different areas and try new things, even if it means failing sometimes.
Gifted children have trouble socially at school fitting in
Many gifted kids find it easy to make friends, but some struggle with social skills. If your child is having trouble making friends, they might need help learning how to interact with other kids.
Sometimes, it can be helpful for gifted kids to spend time with other gifted kids to relate to and learn from each other. Parents also need to encourage their children to try new things and experience different types of people. It will help them develop a broader view of life and overall social skills.
Gifted children tend to be more mature than other kids their age
Giftedness is not a maturity level. While some gifted kids are responsible and serious, others are silly and playful. And while some gifted children like to play with toys designed for younger kids, others prefer to play with toys designed for older kids.
Unfortunately, there’s no way of knowing how your child will turn out based on their current behavior or interests.
Gifted children are always well-behaved and compliant
Some gifted kids are very well-behaved, but others can be difficult. A child being smart doesn’t mean they will automatically do what you ask. It’s essential to set clear expectations for your child and consequences for not following directions.
If your child is struggling with obedience, it might help to find ways to make them more accountable for their actions or give them more freedom in exchange for good behavior.
Innate curiosity causes them to be self-directed
Giftedness is not a personality trait. Just because a child is curious doesn’t mean they will automatically learn how to do things independently. Parents and teachers must guide gifted kids in learning new skills and understanding concepts.
Sometimes, it can help if you let your child take an interest in something that interests you, too. Then, you can share your knowledge with them and help them develop their skills.
All children are gifted
Giftedness is not a trait that all kids have. If your child doesn’t love school or excel at everything they do doesn’t mean they aren’t smart. If you think your child is gifted, talk to them about their interests and strengths so you can find out more about what makes them tick.
While some parents worry that their child isn’t intelligent enough, others fear their child is too clever for their good. Both situations can be stressful for parents and kids alike, but it’s important to remember that being gifted is a gift.
Conclusion
As you can see, not all gifted children are alike. While some may share similar characteristics and interests, others have different personalities and preferences.
However, one thing that all gifted kids do have in common is a willingness to learn new things and explore their talents. For example, suppose your child is interested in learning more about their giftedness.
In that case, they can join a local gifted association or support parents of gifted children. Here, they can talk to people with similar interests and connect with people who share their struggles.
Are you looking for the best clinical psychologist in Sarasota, or perhaps you want to talk to a psychologist in Venice? Then, you can visit our offices in Venice or Sarasota for the best mental health care.