Living With Live Wires

Check out this list and see if you can identify the myths about gifted children.

-Gifted children are usually gifted in all academic areas.

-Giftedness is wholly inborn.

-Giftedness is entirely a matter of hard work.

-All children are gifted.

-Children become gifted because their parents push them.

-Gifted children will become eminent adults.

-Gifted children seldom have learning handicaps.

-Gifted children are not aware that they are somehow different than others.

-If you tell gifted children they have advanced abilities, they will become egotistical.

-Gifted children will show their abilities and talents in their school achievement.

-Gifted children are usually well-organized and have good study skills.

-Gifted children will only fulfill their potential if they receive continual pressure.

-Gifted children’s emotional maturity is as advanced as their intellect.

-Gifted children seldom have emotional or interpersonal issues.

-Gifted children enjoy demonstrating their talents and abilities for others.

-Families always value their gifted children’s advanced abilities, intensity, and sensitivity.

-Gifted children are easier to raise than most children.

-Parents cannot identify giftedness in their own children.

-Educators will know exactly how to work with gifted children.

All of the statements represent myths that are commonly held regarding gifted children.  Webb, et.al. (2007), A Parent’s Guide to Gifted Children, lists these myths and states, 

The prevalence of these myths and the lack of accurate information about gifted children is a major reason that gifted children’s needs are not recognized or given much attention in our schools and our society.

If you have a gifted child, you have a special task to help your child understand why they feel different and to support them in their social and emotional needs.  It will take great persistence to advocate for your child within the school system and maybe even with your own family members and friends.  These myths are still out there in our society and it is up to each parent to help dispell the myths whenever possible to create an environment that is supportive to the needs of your gifted child.

Remember, most reactions from others come from a place of misunderstanding and ignorance of giftedness.  It is best to start from a place of patience and educate others about the correct perceptions about giftedness and about the unique needs of your child as the situation warrants.

Dispelling myths about giftedness and learning to advocate for your child will be ongoing themes on this website and in the podcast.