At some point your child will do something remarkable and you’ll wonder if they are intellectually gifted.

“Giftedness” is a cultural term we all use different. Some people say it to mean more developed for the child’s age, some use it to mean smarter than other children, and some say it to mean deserving of a higher academic level.

IQ tests are often used to identify gifted children, but they aren’t always accurate. Usually it takes a school guidance counselor or social worker to make the right decision.

Identifying a gifted child isn’t about bragging to other moms and dads. It’s about getting your child the educational help they need. A gifted child who is forced to sit through regular classes will quickly become bored and start being a disruption.

Here are some characteristics of gifted children. Your child doesn’t have to exhibit all of these to be considered gifted. Typically a child doesn’t show signs of giftedness until they start school (where they are intellectually challenged), but some kids show signs earlier.

• Has a tremendous vocabulary for their age.
• Learns new ideas and methods quickly.
• Shows excellent reasoning abilities
• Needs little outside emotional control – can calm themselves.
• Has flexible thinking patterns.
• Asks questions relentlessly.
• Curious about new situations, events, people or objects.
• Answers questions quickly without much thought.
• Achieves well in school and seems interested in their subjects.
• Remembers things well, but is bored with memorization tasks.
• Understands abstract concepts.
• Is able to concentrate on a single task longer than their peers.
• Has an unusual talent for their age.
• Becomes frustrated when their peers don’t understand.
• Uses a lot of commonsense.
• Hits developmental milestones faster than expected.
• Has truly creative thoughts and ideas.

It’s also possible for a child to be gifted in a “domain” or specific area. Someone could be gifted at the arts, but struggle with math. Check out this site for a list of gifted characteristics by category.  

Written by Alicia Overby - Founder & President of Baby Elephant Ears

Alicia is wife, mother, and creator of Baby Elephant Ears. Baby Elephant Ears was created out of parental concern, not financial desire. In 2005, when their second child was an infant, he cried all the time and just couldn't seem to get comfortable.

After seeking advice and suggestion from the medical community and alternative medicine, they eventually ended up in the chiropractors office where their baby was successfully treated for asubluxation, discomfort most likely the result of the strain during labor, which was now being exacerbated by the normal lack of infant neck strength. Only proper neck, head, and back alignment would offer him relief. When they couldn't find a product to give their baby the necessary support, Alicia took matters into her own hands and crafted her own infant support pillow. The first Baby Elephant Ears was born!

For more information, visit www.babyelephantears.com.

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