Page 38 - Waterfall_Issue 7_2022

Waterfall Today’s Child

by a cut-and-dried curriculum, and their giftedness
becomes apparent when you delve into their insight,
their thirst for knowledge (not just facts, but the ‘how’
and ‘why’ of everything), and their deep sensitivity.

Q: Why do so many parents/teachers
become frustrated with gifted kids?
NK: It is a paradigm shift for parents and teachers to be
open to debate and accept that a child can know more
than they do. But gifted children just want an opportunity
to be heard and to express their views. In addition,
gifted children are incredibly justice-driven and will act
out if they believe they are being treated unfairly.

As a parent or teacher, you need to realise that the child may
well be more intelligent in some areas, but they rely on us for
wisdom. The wisdom guides them to engage respectfully, be
open to other opinions, and feel that a healthy debate is safe.

Gifted kids want to learn actively – not just be
bombarded with meaningless information. They want
to theorise, question, and go down the rabbit hole.

Q: What are some of the challenges faced by
gifted kids?
NK: One of the biggest challenges is that they are often
overwhelmed by anxiety. They overthink everything
and can be in a perpetual state of panic as a result.

The anxiety can lead to poor performance at school for
many reasons. Sometimes the child ‘who just refuses to do
the work’ is such a perfectionist that the fear that it won’t
be perfect paralyzes them – so they just don’t bother.

They also loathe repetition – for them, it is soul-destroying.
When faced with 20 long division problems, there is a
strong possibility that they won’t bother even if they could
easily do them if they wanted to. This is often the root of
poor academic performance – boredom, and disinterest.

When your brain works in hyperdrive, it goes beyond
intelligence. Gifted kids have heightened senses that
can easily be overwhelmed. Bright lights, noises, and a
scratchy shirt can lead to a severe sensory overload.

Q: So in conclusion . . .
NK: My goal is to teach the world about these incredible little
humans who are so often misunderstood. I want to be their
voice and their advocate. And I want to reach their parents
and families. As a mother of a gifted child and having worked
with parents for many years, I realise how challenging it can
be, especially when dealing with anxiety, overexcitabilities,
insomnia, and social challenges. Moms and dads need as
much support and understanding as their children do.

Look out for more from Nicola in forthcoming
editions of the magazine.

36 Waterfall Issue 7 2022