Page 41 - Kyalami issue 3 2022

Kyalami Estates Corporate Brand Bible Design 26
3.0 Folder (Inner)
TODAY'S CHILD

PARENTING THE

GIFTED CHILD

If you have children who don't seem

to fit into the 'norm', the good news

is that you are not alone

icola Killops is mom We asked Nicola to Radford House was founded
to James, a twice- elaborate more on her own in 1995 and is one of very
Nexceptional 18-year-old, experiences. few schools in South Africa
and she lives in Johannesburg. that caters specifically for
Nicola specialised in gifted Bev Hermanson: You gifted education. Initially, I
education and taught at the mentioned that your son is was terrified, wondering how
Radford House School for twice-exceptional. What does on earth I was equipped to
gifted children for many years. that mean? take on such a responsibility
She recently left teaching and offer anything of value
and is now a writer, focusing Nicola Killops: Twice- to kids with such advanced
on supporting parents and exceptional refers to a person intelligence. But I soon realised
teachers of children who that is intellectually gifted but that they were there to teach
are ‘different’, according to also has learning challenges me just as much as I was there
mainstream views. like ADHD, dyslexia, sensory to teach them.
processing issues, or autism.
Through a series of articles,
Nicola hopes to reach those Therefore, they are referred to BH: How did this tie in
moms and dads who need to as ‘twice-exceptional’, or 2e, as with your own parenting
hear that their experiences they have exceptional abilities experience?
with having children who and disabilities at the same NK: At the time, I was having
possibly don’t fit into the time. a tough time finding a way
‘norm’ are not alone. There BH: How did you come to for my 9-year-old son to
may be an explanation for discover so much about find his place in the world.
their experience as a family. gifted children? I knew he was incredibly
With understanding and bright, but because of his
information, they can set their NK: In 2013, I began an severe dyslexia and high
children on a path where they incredible journey of discovery functioning autism, the
are understood, nurtured, and when I left the government school system had focused
allowed to be everything they school system and joined so much on his challenges
can be. the staff at Radford House. that there was no space for

Kyalami Estates • CONNECT • Issue 3 • 2022 39