What are some of the common characteristics of gifted children?
What are some of the common characteristics of gifted children?In normal conversation, gifted children are generally thought to be very intelligent kids who seem to excel in everything they do, especially of an academic nature. Some adults find gifted children to also be a bit odd, behaving in ways other children don't. This description is perhaps apt in some respects, but a limited synopsis. Here we list some of the common characteristics of gifted children. Not every characteristic applies to every gifted child, but this discussion is intended to serve as a broad general guide to help identify kids who might be termed 'gifted children'.
One of the most common characteristics of gifted children is a sensitive nature. This does not necessarily mean the child is shy or timid, but may pick up on nuances in conversation or events at a deeper level than another child of the same age.
Many gifted children may show well developed problem solving skills at an early age. For example, these kids may enjoy puzzles and make very short work of one targeted at an older age group.
Another of the common characteristics of gifted children is that they are often creative, artistic individuals. Many have natural musical abilities. These kids are the ones who paint right off the piece of newsprint, out of sheer exuberance. During a preschool dance class, this child may continue dancing, after the music stops, so caught up in the experience that they don't notice. These children seem to commonly be spontaneous in their actions and can at times, seem flighty. In a nutshell, you might say that one of the signature characteristics of gifted children is that they appear to 'dance to a different drummer'.
Perhaps because gifted children are typically quick thinkers with an ability to abstract at an early age, another of the characteristics of gifted children is a proclivity to impatience. They want to proceed on to the next subject, activity or interest. Having solved a problem, or exhausted the perceived possibilities of a topic, they may also be temperamental.
If you lose patience with your child because she's continually asking, Why?, comfort yourself in knowing that this is also one of the signature characteristics of gifted children. These kids are extremely curious. Barraging you with Why? at every turn is a sign of a curious mind and a budding critical thinker. Encourage all those questions!
Frequently, gifted children come to enjoy the company of older kids more than their own age group, simply because they find them more interesting. While the gifted child in 4th grade may not be socially as well developed as a 6th grader, he may enjoy the conversation, knowledge and vocabulary of the older child.
Finally, perhaps the most common of characteristics of gifted children is that they may be a loner. While generally possessed of leadership qualities, these kids don't usually hang out with a large group of friends, join cliques and the like. A few friends suffice.
If this brief overview seems to describe your child, treat this little soul gently. These kids can be challenging, but oh, so much fun, once you gain a better understanding of what makes them tick. Oh yes, gifted children are sometimes pranksters and good comedians!
