Giftedness is more than developing skills faster or going through the developmental milestones earlier. Young gifted children are intensely curious, produce a constant stream of questions, learn quickly and remember easily, and think about the world differently than their age-mates. Their intense curiosity may get them into trouble particularly when they try to figure out how something works. They may have a super-high energy level and yet be highly sensitive and perfectionistic. Young gifted children are at risk for boredom, frustration, and depression. Recognizing giftedness is important because to thrive giftedness needs nurturing.
“Being present means quieting your static. You allow yourself to be fully in the moment.” This advice comes from Amy Dombro, Judy Jablon, and Charlotte Stetson, in their book, Powerful Interactions: How to Connect with Children to Extend Their Learning. They continue: ”You are focused not on what you were doing a second ago or what you need to do tomorrow. You’re thinking only about the now. When you quiet the static, you let go of feelings that may interfere with clear thinking. Are you still aggravated about what happened at breakfast that morning? Are you worried about the parent conference later today? How you’re feeling affects what you will say and do in an interaction. Remember, what you say and do as you interact affects how children feel about themselves and about learning. Clearing your mind of static allows you to focus on the child and give him your full attention. You’re more in control of your words and your actions.”
You may not realize how much time you have to focus intently on your child until you learn to quiet the static, every time you help them put on their shoes or socks, buckle them in their car seat, comb their hair or help them brush their teeth. These every day activities can be a powerful relationship builder, and opportunities to connect on many different subjects, IF you quit talking to the other child or worrying about being late to work, looking at your watch and saying hurry up. (it won’t help anyway) from the personal experience of raising 5 children, it works, you laugh more, and your child talks more; but you cannot multi task when you are focusing on your child, you have to let some of that static go. No one can do it all. – Joyce
