AboutCarol Bainbridge Expertise I can answer most questions on parenting gifted children, from infants on. Questions can be about parenting, advocacy, and support and I can provide suggestions for toys and books gifted children love. I can even help you determine whether your child is gifted or bright, and I can point you to more information you might need. I can answer some questions about programs for gifted children, but can`t help much with information on colleges. Visitors wanting to know if their children are gifted might want to read the article "Is My Child Gifted?" before asking a question.
Experience I am the parent of a gifted child and have been working with other parents of gifted children for 13 years, helping them find support and providing them with information. I founded a local gifted organization and helped organize a parent day for a national gifted conference. I have been an active member of my state's gifted association since 1999 and created and maintain their Web site. In addition, I have created a website for parents of gifted children who are looking for toys and books for their children: www.giftsforlearning.com.
I am also the Guide About.com Gifted Children Site.
Organizations National Association for Gifted Children. Board member of state gifted association.
Expert: Carol Bainbridge Date: 6/20/2008 Subject: Is my 21months old son average or above average?
Question okay, so lately ive been completely bewildered by my son's intelligence (21months). I need to know if my son is average... or above average.
Things he has done lately to make my mouth drop open:
When asked to go get the screwdriver in another room full of things on the floor, he brings it back.
Picks up a few business cards, and recognizes my dad card and says Grandpa.
Can put away his toys where they belong.
Recognizes his name.
Says blue for blue, red for red, yellow for yellow...working on green.
Knows the sounds for the alphabet... A-ahh, B- Buh... etc
Obsessed with books.. Im talking reading at least 25 a day.
Knows one, two, three <-- when were in the pool jumping, he will count to 3 before he jumps.
Knows where his arm, hands, nose, mouth, eyes, ears, hair, toes, feet, bellybutton, knees are.
Helps me with chores around the house, can unload dishwasher with me, put clothes in the dryer, put dirty clothes in the hamper etc.
Says hot for hot, cold for cold, speaks pretty well, not all of it is understandable.
When we walk he will name everything he knows, bird, tree, bush, grass, plane, etc.
I'm just in awe. Im a first time young mom (22) and I cant believe what i hear/see/experience everyday. I dont know if i should enroll him in some type of program so that this continues? or if he is just like other kids his age.... Please let me know!!
Answer It's possible that your son is gifted. To get a better idea for yourself, though read the article "Is Your Child Gifted?" (http://giftedkids.about.com/od/gifted101/p/how_to_identify.htm) It provides some ways to help you understand whether your child fits the gifted mold and has links to more information. It's a little hard for me to be more much certain with the list you have provided.
There isn't any reason to enroll him in a special program at his age. If he is gifted, which is likely, his abilities aren't going to go away because he's not in a special program. Chances are you wouldn't find a special program for that purpose anyway. I'd suggest reading the article "How to Nurture a Gifted Child" (http://giftedkids.about.com/od/nurturinggiftsandtalents/p/how_to_nurture.htm). It has quite a few suggestions on what to do with a gifted child to nurture his or her abilities.
