Where are people so jealous of gifted kids?

[Anonymous]

Sometimes being gifted academically is not that great as sometimes that child has a social deficit or even other learning problems. I would think the only people who genuinely would be interested would be the parents, grandparents and maybe aunts,uncles...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

All types of bragging (except to grandparents) are lame and annoying, including your swimming example. How would it possibly come up in normal person conversation what grade level your 6 year old is reading at? If I had a kid reading at that level at that age, I'd keep it to myself unless discussing with a grandparent/school official. Unless I enjoyed trying to make others feel badly about their own average kids, which I don't.

[Anonymous]

I don't know that people actually are jealous of gifted children, OP. That seems odd. People do get annoyed with bragging and humble bragging parents over time. We all like to share fun stories and kid accomplishments, but enough is enough and it sounds like you're getting the message that you've perhaps done enough sharing about your kid and his 'gifts'.

[Anonymous]

People are not jealous of your gifted child, OP. Please read the social signs - they are making fun of you for bragging about your child.

Stop talking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

You are wrong. No-one is interested in hearing about you kid's swim meet or soccer game either. Bragging of any kind is unwelcome.

[Anonymous]

Brags about her kid's academic skills. Misspells 'write.'

I AM DYING. DYING!!!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Brags about her kid's academic skills. Misspells 'write.'

I AM DYING. DYING!!!!!

Well yes, but she also asked where the jealous people were. So there you have it. I don't think they exist, but she wants to find them. Maybe they are in the fire-swamp with the RUS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

You are wrong. No-one is interested in hearing about you kid's swim meet or soccer game either. Bragging of any kind is unwelcome.

Sure. But can no one ever discuss their children at all? Never mention something nice about them? It is possible to discuss good things and not be "bragging." Bragging is acting superior or exhibiting self-importance and necessarily putting others down: "My kid is the best" as opposed to being truthful about your kid's abilities in a conversation when that is the topic of conversation. People do talk about school and sports and kids. It is totally normal. If OP were walking into a conference room, interrupting and says "Yeh yeah, but lets talk about my kid ..." that would be a different story.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

You are wrong. No-one is interested in hearing about you kid's swim meet or soccer game either. Bragging of any kind is unwelcome.

Sure. But can no one ever discuss their children at all? Never mention something nice about them? It is possible to discuss good things and not be "bragging." Bragging is acting superior or exhibiting self-importance and necessarily putting others down: "My kid is the best" as opposed to being truthful about your kid's abilities in a conversation when that is the topic of conversation. People do talk about school and sports and kids. It is totally normal. If OP were walking into a conference room, interrupting and says "Yeh yeah, but lets talk about my kid ..." that would be a different story.

Kinda seems like she might be doing that, though. People do, I had some lady tell me her kid's SAT score while I was trying to get some non child related work done. I don't think she even knew my name, she was just telling eveyone. It was weird.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

You are wrong. No-one is interested in hearing about you kid's swim meet or soccer game either. Bragging of any kind is unwelcome.

Sure. But can no one ever discuss their children at all? Never mention something nice about them? It is possible to discuss good things and not be "bragging." Bragging is acting superior or exhibiting self-importance and necessarily putting others down: "My kid is the best" as opposed to being truthful about your kid's abilities in a conversation when that is the topic of conversation. People do talk about school and sports and kids. It is totally normal. If OP were walking into a conference room, interrupting and says "Yeh yeah, but lets talk about my kid ..." that would be a different story.

When people ask about your child just smile and tell them that he/she is great - maybe add that your kid is generous or kind or a hard worker or loves the game. No one need to know his class rank or how he won MVP. Be humble and teach you kids to be humble as it will get them further in life than trying to impress people.

[Anonymous]

Part of people's reaction to "my 6 year old can do 6th grade level work!" is that it's so rarely true. My 4th grader just had a neuropsych evaluation because of learning disabilities, which included achievement testing. It came back that her reading comprehension score is the equivalent of grade 12.9 and math problem solving also 12.9. Does that mean that she can do 12th grade math or read and understand at the level of a 12 grader? Of course not! But people like to grab onto whatever seemingly objective data they can, even when it's a gross misuse of that data.

[Anonymous]

Most parents of gifted and talented children don't broadcast it, OP, that's your big mistake.

I have one child with gifts and special needs/learning disorders, and one child who is gifted. I ONLY described their awards and achievements to my close circle, who will be fondly proud of them just like me.

[Anonymous]

OP is clearly a troll.

[Anonymous]

Why are you telling people about this? You sound awful.

[Anonymous]

My kid is gifted. Evaluated in 1st grade. I keep that shit to myself. People can tell she is smart. Who cares?