Is your toddler gifted?

Part I: Mother of a Genius

There are many different characteristics of gifted babies and children. Many lists verbalize these characteristics differently, but the majority of lists display clear overlap. Often times, parents look for overt signs of giftedness, but there are many not so obvious signs. For the purposes of this article (Part I, Mother of a Genius) we will focus on characteristics of children 2 and under. Yes. You can begin seeing signs of giftedness at such a young age. In fact, in a poll taken by 89 moms 42% reported they knew, or had an idea their child(ren) were gifted between 1-2 years of age, while 14% stated they saw signs between 6 months and a year.
     In an effort to keep it short here are some the more popular telltales that your toddler may be gifted. Keep in mind, many gifted children can display multiple gifted characteristics, while others may just be extreme in one or two ways.

• Rapid learner; puts thoughts together quickly
• Excellent memory
• Large vocabulary and can formulate sentences early on
• Problem solver such as numbers and puzzles
• Often self-taught reading and writing skills
• Deep, intense feelings and reactions
• Longer attention span and intense concentration
• Learn basic skills quickly and with little practice
• Asks probing questions
• Wide range of interests (or extreme focus in one area)
• Puts idea or things together that are not typical
• Keen and/or unusual sense of humor
• Desire to organize people/things through games or complex schemas
• Ability to draw realistic pictures
• Like to take things apart and/or try to figure out how things work.
• High level of logic. For example, unstacking a pile of books from the top to get to the book at the bottom
• Unknowingly memorizes facts from obscure sources such as TV programs, radio ads, or books

The SubUrban Mom
www.fromuuniversity.com

Additional Sources: 
http://www.newkidscenter.com/How-To-Tell-If-Your-Baby-Is-Gi…
A parent's guide to gifted children.Tuscon, AZ: Great Potential Press, www.greatpotentialpress.com.
https://www.babycenter.com/0_how-to-tell-if-your-preschoole…

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