Raising a gifted child is not always as perfect as it might
seem. Many times, people expect more from a gifted child than
he or she is able to accomplish. Even though gifted children
are very bright and they seem to learn very quickly, that does
not mean that they are as advanced emotionally as they are
intellectually.

This is one reason some parents decide not to let their
children skip a grade. They believe their children will benefit
more from being with peers their own age and maturity level.
They may opt to challenge their children with advanced books,
assignments, and activities, while still keeping them at a
grade level appropriate to their age.

Gifted programs in schools can sometimes be helpful, but they
can also be problematic for some children. Many gifted children
already feel different or "odd" compared to their peers, so
distinguishing them from the other children only makes matters
worse.

Other children will thrive in such programs, because they are
able to relate more closely with others like them. They also
find the environment more to their standards, because
activities and assignments are more stimulating than typical
classroom activities. Stimulation is important, because gifted
children often become board quickly. Their minds are always
working, and they need something to keep their minds busy.

A gifted child will often be the first one to finish typical
class work and may even get into trouble for fidgeting,
talking, or disturbing others. This is generally a good sign
that the child is board and needs more stimulation.

If your child is experiencing these kinds of problems, talk to
the teacher. Ask him or her to assign your child extra work, a
book to read, or an activity to perform such as spending time
on the computer, once your child has finished regular
assignments.

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