By Dorie
Dear Dorie, My son is almost 2 years old and I’ve been noticing that he seems advanced in his words, as well as most physical endeavors. Other parents have noticed it as well. If he is really “gifted,” should I be doing something?
Proud Parent Dear Parent, Congratulations on your healthy and bright toddler. It is every parent’s dream to be told how well their child is doing, especially by other parents (relatives don’t count in this area... they’re inherently biased).
But if you really want evidence of his abilities in the form of an assessment, most pediatricians will refer you appropriately. Before taking that step though, I recommend you ask yourself if they conclude he is gifted, what are you going to do differently? At 2 years old, you’re not going to enroll in preschool. First of all, he’d lose time with you and, second, you wouldn’t want a bright child to spend an extra year in a preschool environment. Research about entering school early isn’t overwhelmingly supportive and home-schooling for a toddler is exactly what you’re doing right now.
It’s my hunch that what you’re really asking is if you don’t do anything, will he fall behind? The answer is no. Given that you continue to allow ample time in a responsive care-giving environment and expose himb to age-appropriate stimulation with places, books and other materials, your son will continue to progress at his very own developmental pace. Right now, that’s ahead. Down the road, it may be different.
Your job is to enjoy every minute of his health and individuality, loving him every unique step along the way. Good luck.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 13, 2007. Read the original PDF.