Comments on: The joys (HA!) of gifted intensities

By: The mental whiplash of parenting #gifted kids

The mental whiplash of parenting #gifted kids — Fri, 14 May 2010 17:21:42 +0000

[...] March A had his 3rd grade specials night. Remember that? Hooboy, I do. It was the one where his gifted intensities grabbed him around every nerve ending and pulled in opposite directions. Drawn and quartered is the [...]

By: Heather

Heather — Sat, 01 May 2010 01:20:43 +0000

This is a very moving post. I wish someone could have been there with you to empathize and at least give you a shoulder to cry on, so you wouldn’t have to be alone in that experience.

By: Dear So-and-so

Dear So-and-so — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 23:16:51 +0000

[...] { Talk to Me } Soovereverthing on I blame 2006You go girl!!! Soovereverthing on The joys (HA!) of gifted intensitiesJen you. are. an. amazing. mom. Don't ever forget that. It is so heartbreaking to watch our children [...]

By: Soovereverthing

Soovereverthing — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:52:21 +0000

Jen you. are. an. amazing. mom. Don’t ever forget that. It is so heartbreaking to watch our children struggle and it makes us all feel very isolated and alone…especially when sitting in a room full of ‘normal’ families. Thank you for being brave enough to share your experience with us.

A will find his way because you and your husband are there supporting and encouraging him. He will learn to live with his intensities and hopefully channel them into his passions as some here have mentioned. Take the computer lab and remember how proud and amazing he was there. Maybe next year, he will feel more comfortable about participating in the musical portions – maybe not…but know that no matter what happens – just remember – You are amazing and so is he.

By: missy

missy — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:00:23 +0000

Jesus – you have to follow THIS with an unexpected inlaw visit? I am so sorry for these few days. Chin up and I’ll be thinking about you.

By: Nancy Campbell

Nancy Campbell — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:59:33 +0000

Behind the frustration, behind the fears, behind everything is that powerful mama-love that will sustain him, always.

By: Rebecca McMillan

Rebecca McMillan — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:14:15 +0000

Jen,

A very powerful post that captures what I live on a daily basis with my younger son, L, who is 9. After 2.5 years of trying to make school work for him, we finally gave up and have been homeschooling him for the last 2 years. He is much happier and we are far less stressed. We build our days around his passions and interests and leave him lots of time to pursue his creative interests. Still we bob and weave to work around his moods, intensity and perfectionism.

Thanks you for sharing this moving glimpse into your life with your son. I look forward to reading your blog regularly.

Rebecca

P.S. It does get easier as they age. My older son (19) was similarly intense and is now thriving in a double degree program at Tufts University and New England Conservatory. He channels his intensity into his music and academic pursuits now and is a very happy camper.

By: Audrey

Audrey — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:40:09 +0000

This hit home as I have been there in that moment and have also watched that moment with other parents. We are not alone. Thank you for sharing.

By: Marjie

Marjie — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:12:19 +0000

My son is very similar to yours. He’s the youngest of my four. The best thing I have ever done for him is to let him do what he loves. And also take an interest and share with him the things he enjoys.

So now I share new tech info that comes out on @mashable and watch him play video games. By joining his world, it loosens him up and boosts his esteem in a way that nothing else does. This gives him the confidence, sometimes (with coaxing), to venture out into new territory.

A great person to follow is @DeborahMersino. On her site she has a lot of great info on social and emotional skills for gifted kids.

Best to you.

By: Jamie

Jamie — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:32:34 +0000

Amazing words Jen.

Your love for A comes through in each word.