Educating children is a challenge for all parents, is one of the most important points regarding its maturity. Any parent wants the best for their children, regardless of what each of them understands to be the best. Normally what parents want is for their children to study, to train to have a good job and a good future.
But many times this can be a complicated job, your child may not like to study and you have to worry every day about encouraging him to do it. Maybe you have a super studious son, who spends too many hours between books and worries you because it is not normal for his age. Be that as it may, upbringing and children's education is different in each case, as are the personality of each child.
When we talk about children with high abilities, something that was formerly known as gifted children, generally leads to thinking of something good. For a child to be gifted, he has to be fantastic, very intelligent, responsible, attentive to classes, etc. But the reality in many cases is completely different.
What are high capacities and how are they diagnosed?
There really is no exact definition of the term high abilities, since within these, high intellectual capacities or talented ones can be found, for example. On this occasion, we are going to focus on the former. For many parents, even many teachers, it is very difficult to notice that a child may have high intellectual abilities.
The behavior of these children has nothing to do with that idyllic image, of extremely intelligent children who are always attentive in class. So much so, that on many occasions is often confused with other disorders very different, like the Asperger.
For a child or an adult to be considered as highly capable, must be determined by a specialist, through a series of tests that are carried out on the specific person. If you think your child may be in this group, talk to the person in charge of the education center so that the relevant tests can be carried out. If your child has already been diagnosed as having high abilities, do not miss these tips that will help you in their education.
Children with high intellectual abilities
Children with high capacities do not stop being children, their education must be based on that point. But in addition, it is important that do not neglect other issues, some of them are:
- It does not stop being a child, so you must assess their skills according to their age. Like any other child, he will need your help to solve certain problems. The boy must have rules and obligations appropriate to their age. Like their parent, you must be involved in their jobs, tasks, and their studies and interests.
- Stimulates their high capacities, but in parallel to his normal studies. Specialists recommend that their studies follow the appropriate course for their age, since, although they are very intelligent and have high abilities, their development in other areas is normal, according to their age. What you can do in this case is to stimulate their abilities by doing other activities.
- Learn to value learning over grades. Instead of just focusing on the notes, interact with your child by taking an interest in the things he learns every day. Make him see that each knowledge is important and that you want to learn just like him.
- Being different is not bad. Talk to your child, make an effort to understand his feelings and put yourself in his place. Surely you feel different or discriminated against because of your intelligence, something that can lead to bad behavior for being accepted. Explain that differences make people special, and that each has its own unique and exclusive identity.
- Do not get frustrated with the crises of their development. People with high abilities often have difficulty making decisions, knowing that they can do anything can overwhelm them.
Above all, be aware of how overwhelming this circumstance can be for your child. Being special and different in childhood, standing out above everyone else, can make the child feel misunderstood. Listen to your child's needs and don't hesitate to ask for help whenever you need it.