Where are people so jealous of gifted kids?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Same here, OP. Whenever I tell my co-workers that my 8 year old is a day trader they clearly act like they are jealous.

I just don't get why people can't be proud of him. I mean they weren't even impressed when I sent them the link for his newest book which they can purchase on Amazon.

The tips he sent over last momth were excellent. We're heading to the Caymans tomorrow, thank him?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My 6 y/o DS can read and wright at the level of a 7th grader. Whenever I tell my friends or coworkers, some of them are impressed, but others have literally stated out that it's really not that special and that they, as adults, can write better than them. And I'm thinking to myself, "You're about 30 years older than my son. I would hope that you can read and write write better than him." It's like they don't even consider the fact that he's only 6 years old. I would expect an adult to read and write well above the level of my son, but a lot of people don't seem to acknowledge that for his age, it's impressive.

Who evaluated your 6 YO to determine their reading and writing level?

His 4 yr old little sister.

[Anonymous]

Nobody is jealous, lady. Ive got a profoundly gifted kid (also 6) and only discuss the specifics with close family and professionals. Nobody else needs to know. If anything, I try very hard to play it down. But 6 is really young and there is a lot of leveling between now and adulthood. Your child is surely bright, but don't make your pride and expectations his burden.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My 6 y/o DS can read and wright at the level of a 7th grader. Whenever I tell my friends or coworkers, some of them are impressed, but others have literally stated out that it's really not that special and that they, as adults, can write better than them. And I'm thinking to myself, "You're about 30 years older than my son. I would hope that you can read and write write better than him." It's like they don't even consider the fact that he's only 6 years old. I would expect an adult to read and write well above the level of my son, but a lot of people don't seem to acknowledge that for his age, it's impressive.

You must mean "better than he". I guess your son wasn't available to edit your post? You sound like an insufferable braggart. This isn't even that impressive.

[Anonymous]

I don't know why people are so jealous of my tiara! It makes my beck hurt so badly!

[Anonymous]

I honestly can't figure out why your coworkers would want or need to know this? I don't discuss my kids' reading levels or grades with anyone but the grandparents.

[Anonymous]

My best guess is envy. My nephew is profoundly gifted as well. We have a family member who becomes irate whenever we discuss his intelligence and yells, "we're all smart in this family!". It's not a contest, but people can't help but compare.

[Anonymous]

Stop fishing for compliments!

[Anonymous]

Maybe a few people are jealous but more likely the others are just more aware of the social rule that you don't brag about it and are a little embarrassed for you.

I have a friend like this on FB. She didn't attend college and is constantly posting pictures of her kids' report cards and their letters into whatever honor society. Everyone is nice about it but what she doesn't know is that LOTS of other kids are doing those same things, their parents just don't post it for her to see. It's all new to her so it feels really exciting and special; I get that. I would never tell her not to post it, unless she started with some foolish complaining about how jealous everyone else was. Then I would probably gently let her know the deal.

[Anonymous]

Just out of curiosity, OP, how are your child'support social interactions?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just out of curiosity, OP, how are your child'support social interactions?

They're not jealous of your kid. They're just sick of you.

[Anonymous]

Bless your heart, dear; it must take all you have to keep up with him!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bless your heart, dear; it must take all you have to keep up with him!

winner!

[Anonymous]

While being gifted academically is impressive, I would also be equally impressed ( if not more ) with a child who was athletically gifted, or who was a talented actress, singer , dancer etc... so I wouldn't put so much emphasis on academics because it's just one type of "intelligence" Everyone has a strength, or something that they excel in. If you are finding that people seem jealous, perhaps it's your communication style that is rubbing people the wrong way?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:While being gifted academically is impressive, I would also be equally impressed ( if not more ) with a child who was athletically gifted, or who was a talented actress, singer , dancer etc... so I wouldn't put so much emphasis on academics because it's just one type of "intelligence" Everyone has a strength, or something that they excel in. If you are finding that people seem jealous, perhaps it's your communication style that is rubbing people the wrong way?

Ok, but that is kind of OP's point. If she mentioned that her 6 year old was faster than the 6th graders on the swim team, people wouldn't say she was bragging; they'd be interested and duly impressed. But since she is discussing precocious reading skills, she is obnoxious and bragging? Why is that? Why is that particular type of intelligence so touchy for people? Because it absolutely is.