For many parents, identifying a gifted child isn’t usually an easy task. There are no real standards higher education facilities or pediatricians have been able to put together, but there’s been enough research done that experts have been able to amass a catalogue of shared characteristics that most gifted kids possess.
Unfortunately, some of the characteristics these children have can also mistakenly earmark them for having other issues like ADHD or even autism because they often have sensory sensitivities causing them to scratch at an “itchy” shirt and even recoil from certain sounds or food textures.
Natural Ability For Learning
They might also talk compulsively or obsess on a single subject or goal. These children also show a natural ability for learning and some have even begun to read before 
they have entered school. They might also master new words quickly and have a highly developed vocabulary. They also have excellent memories and the tendency to read often.
Of course as a parent, you’ll want to foster your child’s unique tendencies and you can best start by keeping your preschooler busy with mental challenges at home. That doesn’t mean you need to start teaching them formal algebra or reading to them from Hemmingway right away but you should strive to make learning so much fun they’ll want to keep it up as a lifetime pursuit.
Here’s a few tips that will keep your gifted child motivated to learn even more:
- You might need to start raising the communication bar. Remember, if your child is speaking on a level higher than their age group, you should do everything possible to keep that growth moving forward. For example, if he’s talking in complete sentences you should answer him in the same way.
- Books and reading are to be encouraged. This is one of the best ways for your gifted child to learn new information and think in a creative way. If your child is exceptional , you can also set aside some time for them to read to you. She may even do better with books and other reading materials suited for children older than her age group.
- Budding young artists need to have materials to work with. If she’s already shown signs of being exceptionally creative, buying the appropriate art materials like markers and chalk as well as workbooks will foster that sense.
- Does he like to sort things? Is he continually lining up toy cars or socks in a row? That could mean he’s what’s called an auditory sequential learner and could be heading for a career in math and science. Finding games that involve matching patterns works.
- If she talks non stop that’s a good indication. Children who like to wear you down with their arguments often look for persuasive professions in law or journalism. Helping her write letters to family and friends is a good way to foster this trait.
Remember, just because your child shows some intellectual maturity doesn’t necessarily mean they will have the emotional maturity to go with it. Your gifted child will also have a high energy level to go with their increased curiosity, but Mom and Dad always need to be aware of the fact they are still children who need guidance from their parents.
Read more info like this at All My Children.
Author: Rob Starr