There are lots of myths about gifted kids (and their parents!) - but most of them aren’t true.
Myth
Gifted kids achieve exceptionally high in everything.
Fact
Gifted kids can develop different skills at different times - some areas can be underdeveloped.
Myth
Gifted kids don’t need extra support - they will achieve anyway.
Fact
Gifted kids who are not recognised and supported at school are at real risk of underachieving, misbehaving through boredom and frustration, and disengaging. If they are not helped to understand themselves and their needs, they may mask their abilities and qualities to avoid feeling different. Not being able to be their true selves can undermine their mauri and their mental health.
Myth
All children are gifted.
Fact
All children have skills and qualities that can be appreciated and nurtured. Being “gifted” is a special term used by educational psychologists for children with specific neurological differences.
Myth
We don’t have any gifted kids at our school.
Fact
Researchers estimate that between 5 and 10% of the population are gifted, with a spectrum between mild and profound giftedness. There are gifted children in every class in every school in NZ.
Myth
Gifted kids are socially awkward.
Fact
Gifted children can have difficulty relating to children their own ages because of their different interests and capacities, but, as they learn to understand themselves better, they can learn skills to help manage this.
Myth
Gifted kids have pushy parents.
Fact
Pushy parents don’t create gifted kids: gifted kids are born with neurological differences. Sometimes parents are seen as pushy because they are having to advocate strongly for their children to help them get the support they need.