All children are unique and so special - no two children are exactly alike and they all develop new skills and learn at their own pace. If your child seems to be ahead of her age group when it comes to certain activities or subjects, you may wonder if your child is gifted, meaning that she demonstrates an outstanding level of aptitude or competence in one or more areas. This could be in math, language, music, sports, art, etc. The importance of identifying giftedness in children lies in being able to nurture their unique skills and needs.

Here are some signs to look out for to help determine whether your child may be gifted:

• Rapid learner with big appetite for learning
• Need for structure and consistency
• Large vocabulary for his/her age
• Good memory
• Self-disciplined
• Shows great curiosity
• Asks big questions
• Has good grades at school
• Good concentration
• Recognizes patterns
• Good problem solving skills
• Flexible thinking patterns
• Dominates peers in the classroom
• Passionate about a specific area of interest

Of course, not all gifted children will display all of these characteristics. Your child’s teachers at school may better be able to recognize these signs so you should discuss with them if you have reason to believe your child may be gifted. Then you can speak with school administrators to consider grade acceleration or private programs.

Keep in mind that not all gifted children excel at school. Some of them may have trouble paying attention or don’t get along with other students or simply have a different way of learning that clashes with their teacher’s style. Identifying giftedness early on can help to avoid any problems like these in the classroom and with classmates.

Above all, go with your instincts as you know your child best and no matter what, whether your child is gifted or not, they all deserve to receive the best education and nurture for their unique skills and talents. 

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 a subluxation, 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.