Blog: Quality Gift Boxes

The Gifted Child and Gifted or Older Peers

That is not to say she should not be part of a group of older friends, particularly a group of gifted kids and/or a group of kids at a higher grade level if she has been accelerated in the classroom setting. The benefit of having all three of these social groups as part of her living sphere is the best possible situation.

A parent can take steps to establish a local area gifted children's play group by making contact through the school systems, both public and private, locally focused websites dedicated to gifted children or other similar resources. In very rural areas, limitations may exist that would behoove the parent to look at other socialization alternatives beyond private school or tutoring. For example, specialized camps for gifted students are an excellent way for the child to develop long standing friendships with other gifted kids.

A child who goes to school with older children because of his advanced intellectual development can face obstacles that require alert parents and teachers. If the child is ostracized or the butt of ridicule by others, adults should intervene and help the child to establish friendships. Using a buddy system is often a good way to prevent this from happening. If bullying occurs in the classroom, it needs to be addressed immediately with appropriate consequences for offenders.

In the current technological life kids lead, with cell phones, email, social networking and all of the tools available, even children who are physically separated from others can still keep in close touch on a daily basis with their true friends.

In summary, gifted kids need to establish social skills with all groups that are part of their lives. Allowing the child to play and learn skills from other children is critical to his social development. A child who is accelerated to a higher grade, may need some help developing friendships within the group and a buddy system or big sister can smooth this transition. When isolation becomes evident, the parent needs to take steps to help the child develop friendships with peers.

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NCSD hosts gifted child parent training: The Parent Center will host a training for families of children who ar.. http://bit.ly/8Tgvx7