The ad was the second time she had heard the piece. My daughter is in first grade, but goes to a second-grade class for math. They decided that it was not. She had invented negative numbers all by herself.
Parents are usually the first to notice the unusual qualities of their gifted young children.
Sometimes, though, they may doubt themselves because they lack exposure to other children or because a relative, teacher, counselor, or school psychologist discounts their observations. Once their young children begin attending school, parents frequently find themselves caught between the unhappiness of their bored or frustrated children and a school system that may not recognize the needs of gifted students, or one that lacks the funds and personnel to sustain an educational alternative for them. Despite the disbelief or incredulity they may encounter, parents need to trust their observations and instincts. They are the child's most accurate judge and are in a unique position to observe and document their son or daughter's special talents. The close relationship between parents and children can provide some unique insight into the strengths and abilities of their young ones.