Shopping for the child that doesn't understand toys

I wonder if your experience with shopping for a gifted child is similar to mine.  In a word; challenging.

Often our gifted children approach toys differently then typical children.  In my house, toys were just items in the way and seemed to create some confusion as what they were meant for!  Now, as our child is older, where those items are made and by who has become significant as her concerns over slavery and social justice surface.  When considering a purchase for her, we need to consider many things that may not enter the minds of most shoppers.

Another hurdle in shopping for the 'right gift' is considering how long the item will hold the interest of the child.  Our gifted kids quickly tire of toys that hold the interest of typical children.  They need toys that will challenge them more and hold their interest for longer.

Here's an article that suggests some items that might be worth considering.

http://giftedkids.about.com/od/booksandtoys/tp/top_ten_toys.htm

What would you recommend?

Gifted vs Earned - Created in the Image of God

A conversation that we've had in our home many, MANY times is about the difference between our gifts and what we've worked hard to earn.  All credit to God, no matter what, but there is a HUGE difference between the two!

Something we've discussed is that our giftedness is just that, a gift.  It's not from work that we've done and it's not something that we've deserved.  It's simply how we are created.  On the other hand, something we work at, like a skill or gaining knowledge or developing an ability, those are all things that we have control over.  In those areas we can take some pride (understanding that all glory goes to God still) for our accomplishments.

If you think about that for a bit it brings a sense of relief.  It's not ours to worry about!  Not our strengths and therefore, not our weaknesses either.  God made us just the way He planned.  NO mistakes.  NO favourites.  Our responsibility is to use what we gave us for His glory.  To do what He wants us to do! 

So, what are you doing with what God gave you?

Bragging encouraged here

One of the areas that has been a struggle for me in raising gifted children is being able to brag.  I'm SO proud of my kids and, like most parents, want to tell you all about it!  Have you ever had that awkward moment when a group of parents are gathered and they are talking about the recent achievements by their children and you think it's safe to tell of yours?  So you do.  And they all stare at you.

I know that their giftedness is something they were born with and that character is most important.  I'll be commenting on that many times in upcoming blogs.  I also know that being gifted and raising gifted kids has many, MANY struggles and challenges.  Many have other labels attached to their giftedness - anxiety disorders, ASD, LD's, ADD/ADHD, written output challenges, eating disorders, OCD, rigid thinking, sensory processing disorder, social struggles. . . . . the list goes on.  But for today, lets talk about those incredible things that they can do that make us shake our head in amazement!  Let's stop and be amazed by the strengths God gave them and celebrate together!

Here, bragging is encouraged and is safe!  What has your child been up to?  It's not a competition, just a place to celebrate together!

I'll start :)  My daughter is acing courses in math and physics through Stanford Universities gifted program. She wants to be a university professor there and is dreaming realistically.  At the same time, she has a passion to help free slaves and is working on another fundraiser.  Not your typically teenager's dream or life.