Raising a gifted child is not always as perfect as it might seem. Many times, people expect more from a gifted child than he or she is able to accomplish. Even though gifted children are very bright and they seem to learn very quickly, that does not mean that they are as advanced emotionally as they are intellectually.



This is one reason some parents decide not to let their children skip a grade. They believe their children will benefit more from being with peers their own age and maturity level. They may opt to challenge their children with advanced books, assignments, and activities, while still keeping them at a grade level appropriate to their age.

Gifted programs in schools can sometimes be helpful, but they can also be problematic for some children. Many gifted children already feel different or "odd" compared to their peers, so distinguishing them from the other children only makes matters worse.

Other children will thrive in such programs, because they are able to relate more closely with others like them. They also find the environment more to their standards, because activities and assignments are more stimulating than typical classroom activities. Stimulation is important, because gifted children often become board quickly. Their minds are always working, and they need something to keep their minds busy.

A gifted child will often be the first one to finish typical class work and may even get into trouble for fidgeting, talking, or disturbing others. This is generally a good sign that the child is board and needs more stimulation.

If your child is experiencing these kinds of problems, talk to the teacher. Ask him or her to assign your child extra work, a book to read, or an activity to perform such as spending time on the computer, once your child has finished regular assignments.