Gifted Children in the Real World

Sensitivity; empathy for others; desire to be accepted by others

Too sensitive to criticism or peer rejection

• Strong need for recognition
• Different and alienated

Diverse interests and abilities; versatility

Scattered and disorganized

• Easily frustrated over lack of time
• May expect continual competence

High expectations for self and others

Perfectionistic

• Rigid
• Nothing is ever “good enough”
• Continuously disappointed or discouraged

Thinks critically; is self-critical and evaluates others

Critical or intolerant toward others

• Easily discouraged or depressed

Enjoys organizing things and people into structure and order; seeks to systematize

Constructs complicated rules or systems

• Bossy, rude or domineering
• Rigid

Love of truth, equity and fair play

Difficulty in being practical

• Excessive worry about humanitarian concerns

Can see cause-effect relations

Refusal to accept feelings, traditions, or matters to be taken on faith

• Oppositional

Seems “too serious” for a child of their age

Inappropriately concerned about “adult” issues like morality, ethics, and philosophy