My son is 11 and thinks he can correct adults! He is usually right. But this is embarrassing!
My daughter has such a superior attitude she won’t comply to our rules. What is going on in her head?
Define the Smart Kid: a child, regardless of age, culture or gender who has higher than average intelligence. Our families and schools celebrate this intelligence until….it does not fit into our social guidelines.
The Smart Kid is still a “kid.” Their intelligence may be above their parents, siblings and teachers. Yet, their social immaturity aligns with their age and childhood experiences. It takes all adults in their life to provide challenges for both their intelligence and their social and emotional growth.
The learning curve for parents who suddenly experience this superior attitude from their child can go to their schools for advice. Teachers and administrators are wise – they know this Smart Kid attitude. Start positive social coaching of this Smart Kid as soon as possible. These are consistent actions that give the necessary tools to the child to thrive in a world of people with mixed intelligences. Encouraging empathy is a great place to start.
Parents step onto the path of success by distinguishing the difference between mind, emotion, and physical maturity.
Try these 3 steps to encourage social and emotional growth:
First, acknowledge the child’s unique giftedness verbally and often with positive encouragement.
Second, explore (with the Smart Kid) the time and location of their verbal claim. Teach about social cues.
Third, distract. Engage in short and lighthearted questions to move the focus beyond their current state of intellectual superiority.
These 3 steps are outlined with adaptable and easy to implement strategies in Chapter 2 of Parenting the Smart Kid 25 Tips No One Told You About Raising Gifted Teens.
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