How To Know If Your Child Is Gifted

Your child’s development is something that will always grab your attention. Maybe you’re worried that your child isn’t developing at the normal rate, or maybe you’re surprised by just how much your child can do or how much he or she knows at such a young age.

Sometimes, a child’s development may warrant parents to wonder if their child is gifted. If your child’s development is surprising you on astounding levels, the following are six ways to know that your child is gifted.

1. Your child retains information well.

Sometimes when you talk with a child, the information goes in one ear and out the other. They hear you, but they don’t listen to you. If your child retains a great deal of information, it could be a sign that he or she is gifted. If your child recalls information they heard from you or in a story, or if they can accurately draw something they saw months ago, it could be a sign that your child is gifted.

2. Your child can read or write at an early age.

One sign of a gifted child is the ability to read or write at a very young age. Most children are around 3-4 when they start learning their letters and phonics, and most children can handle basic reading by the time they enter kindergarten. If your child is reading on his or her own before preschool without receiving any formal teaching, it could be a sign that he or she is gifted.

3. Your child has the ability to concentrate for long periods of time.

Children are not known for concentrating. Instead, they tend to bounce from one activity to the next without warning. If your child can concentrate on a task or activity for a long period of time, it could be a sign that your child is gifted.

4. Your child has a specific talent.

Gifted children often possess a specific talent. For example, if your child excels at music, art, math or even reading, it could be a sign that he or she is gifted. These talents are often found before your child is taught them in school.

5. Your child prefers to spend time with older children or adults.

Most gifted children don’t like to spend too much time with children their own age because they don’t feel as if they have anything in common. If your child is constantly wanting to hang out or play with older children, or if he or she is always trying to be around adults, it could be a sign that your child is gifted and in need of more intelligent stimulation or conversation.

6. Your child tests at a gifted level.

If you believe that your child may be gifted, it’s a good idea to have them tested. Your child’s school can test your child’s IQ to determine if he or she is truly gifted. If your child is not yet in school, you can ask your pediatrician for recommendations or call your local school district and ask them for recommendations. Sometimes, testing is the only way to truly determine if your child is gifted.

Louise Robbins is a retired elementary school librarian turned freelance writer. Louise volunteers at her local Latch-Key programs where she spends time teaching children to read.

Image credit: janetmck on Flickr