Just Barely Two ... And Counting

What to do ... what to do??? I am certified to teach gifted children and have taught them for a few years now, so I've really learned who they are and what they're about. It's been an interesting journey. Gifted children are often socially challenged and are overly concerned and sensitive about issues that are way beyond their years, or where they should be in their current stage of maturation. It can sometimes lead to psychological problems or just difficulties in handling the way the world is. They're sometimes idealistic and have a hard time grasping the concept that some people can be mean. To put it short, they're complex creatures with a lot on their minds. I don't see how nonChristian parents of highly gifted children cope from day to day. I don't see how nonChristian parents of ANY children cope, but especially parents of these kids.

Well, Anthony and I have been closely observing Jackson lately and thinking back to his baby months (can't really say baby years, can ya???) and we've picked up on a lot of things that we're just wondering about. For instance, Jackson is quite crafty when it comes to getting things done that he wants to do (like pushing a chair to the counter so he can stand on top and open the cabinet for his favorite cup, etc.) His vocabulary seems advanced to me for just turning two and he's extremely observant and is sensitive when he thinks someone's been hurt. Most surprising is that he can already count to ten on his own and he is learning his colors. I don't think he's highly gifted, but I think he may be to some degree gifted. The problem is that he's our first child and I don't have anything to really compare him to. I have only taught gifted middle school and high school students, so I don't really know the proper age for the milestones two-year old kids should be crossing. Sometimes I think I'm totally off-base and while he may be a little bright, surely he's not really gifted. On the other hand, there are times when I become a little concerned that if my suspicions are right, what of those typical gifted-child problems I mentioned above will our son deal with as he becomes older?

Anyway, it's just been on my mind and I wanted to see if anyone out there has any input on the topic.

A funny story before I go. Anyone who knows my husband knows how he has a definite ruddy complexion most of the time. We were sitting at IHOP one morning for breakfast and Anthony pointed to the Sweet 'n Low packet and asked Jackson what color it was. He said, "Pink." And then he pointed to Anthony's cheeks and said, "Pink." Ha ha ha. It was hilarious. I couldn't stop laughing.

Take care, y'all. God bless.