Doing a little reading

We are still around, and I'm not yet ready to reengage as much as I'd like with this blog, but wanted to share something I just read.

"What is similar . . . is that all of these gifted children have an intense passion to understand and master whatever is making them curious.  They are extremely quick to learn and do not give up until they fully understand what they are curious about.  They are persistent about needing to know and will pursue their passion over their lifetime." ~ Barbara Klein, Ph.D. in Raising Gifted Kids

This is the shortest description of what giftedness is that has ever rung true to me.  Thought I'd share it.  I think there must exist a better label than gifted, with all its stigmas.  I think intense might be the closest word I have considered.

This was also helpful to me.  A few years in, this is the closest "right answer" I have found to the question of what to do about it:

"Simple as it may sound, you need to listen to and observe your child.  Then you need to react to your inner thoughts and understanding about your child,  Your job is to always react when your child is communicating with you. [YIKES!  This is all the time in our home!!!!!]  A parent's reactions are so telling, important and truthful.  You need to learn to trust yourself and your instincts about your child.  Your parenting will go forward more easily because your children will be seen and valued for who they are . . . . They 'best way' or the 'right way' to deal with a gifted child is to gradually acknowledge, and come to accept, that you are facing a challenge.  By a country mile, your child will not be the easiest kid on the block to raise because of his or her energy, curiosity, intelligence, and sensitivity. . . .  Parenting a gifted child is truly a challenge."
~ Barbara Klein, Ph.D. in Raising Gifted Kids

Has anyone else been told how nice and easy it must be to have a gifted child?  If so, was anyone else tempted to slap the person who said it? ;)

Our life is full of sorrow and joy both right now.  We are soaking up all the time we can with a beloved relative who is terminally ill.  If you know me personally or if you have followed this blog from earlier times, you may remember that we had a lot of death and grief previously - about a year ago was the end of a 9 month season that included 4 funerals.  As those of you who can relate to the above sections, you can imagine how this complicates the life of a homeschooler of a gifted child.  Your thoughts, prayers, positive vides, good juju, and patience are appreciated. :)