When did you realize your child was average?
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Anonymous
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Everyone thinks their toddler is brilliant. And I am not different. DH is quite smart but I am of average intelligence and I understand that recent studies conclude that the children get the mother's IQ. I was hungry a lot as a child (raised in Russia until I was seven) so maybe that had an effect on my IQ - but I am definitely average. Other people comment on how smart DD (just 21 months) is but I think it's because she is a talker and loves reading.
When does it become apparent that your child isn't a genius? |
Anonymous
| Or, even, below average. Sigh... |
Anonymous
| Probably the first time she started talking in full sentences. |
Anonymous
| I knew as a toddler. DD wasn't talking the way my friend's kids were talking at the same age. |
Anonymous
| You realize that being average is the average, right? It's not like it should be a point of shame. |
Anonymous
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Our DD is 2.5 and I'm pretty relieved she's not showing signs of genius. My mother's cousin is a legit genius and has had one of the most tumultuous and unpleasant lives I can imagine.
I think I'll survive as long as she's bright enough to get into a decent school (e.g. not a for-profit university) and support herself when she's done. |
Anonymous
When you send them to school and meet their equally "genius" peers 
It's okay, OP. I was raised in Russia too, although I didn't know hunger. Much like you, I was raised without participation trophies. This leads me to believe you underestimate your cognitive potential. Besides, "recent studies" of this nature turn out to be bull 99% of the time, so I assure you, your DD is just fine. |
Anonymous
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OP here and I am not ashamed of being of average intelligence and realize that being intelligent has little to do with being happy.
I was just wondering when it becomes apparent that your child is average. |
Anonymous
your words. i don't think anyone is saying they are shamed. |
Anonymous
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I don't know who linked language acquisition with intelligence. I talked late, but I started talking in full grammatically correct sentences. As an adult, I learn foreign languages easier than most. At the same time, I can only do basic middle school math and struggle with any type of analysis. As a high school junior, I failed miserably in Physics and Chemistry.
DH is a science genius who can barely spell and will never ever learn to speak a foreign language. Literally, explaining why his "no habla Espanol" should be "no hablo Espanol" is completely useless. Your child will be good at something and bad at something else. So all this talk about "average" makes little sense to me. Do you mean you realize your child is not a prodigy of some sort? Won't finish school and go to Harvard at the age of 12? Who wants that, seriously?
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Anonymous
| I think I am just realizing it now and DS is nearly four. He just isn't picking up things as fast as he used to (or seemed to) when he was younger. He's in an okay but not great daycare/preschool so maybe that it is but... |
Anonymous
| Ive always thought my kids were average. Most people are average; that's what average is. I still think the explosion of learning that happens as toddlers is amazing. |
Anonymous
| I'm also from Russia, lived there until I was 6, but didn't know hunger. Still, I am of average intelligence. DS is 16 months and I guess it's still to be determined, but I think probably of average intelligence. He doesn't know his body parts yet, doesn't seem interested in books, and not talking yet. It's fine with me if he's average. I do hope he can learn the importance of hard work and trying your best. |
Anonymous
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I'd estimate that about 95% of parents (of my high school students) believe their children are above average.
So for many parents, the answer is never. |
Anonymous
+1 Most children are average. That's ok! Everyone thinks their child is brilliant. My friend uses hashtag #fullsentences #27months. Eyeroll. My niece is apparently too smart for first grade, and my nephew is too smart for pre k. Ok. |