I have a really special kid. How can I help his siblings not to be jealous of him?

Question

My six year old is probably what you'd call a genius. Taught himself Latin at five et.c et.c.... He scares me sometimes and I dread the day he can't learn anything more from me. His two brothers don't seem to understand him very well, especially when he retreats into his own little world to think, (which he can do for hours on end!). I try my best to give them all the same amount of attention, but lately I've been noticing 'attention grabbing' behaviour from the other two. It seems they feel inferior to Jake...but they aren't, and I have tried really hard to make them understand that. Has anyone else faced the same challenge?

Answer 1

Dont treat him different than the others..

my daughter is 6 also..she adds subtracts...

she reads on a 3rd grade level

she also is in the 2nd grade..

she is very smart..shes been saying her abcs since she was 1..and counting to 20 when she was one..

Answer 2

just treat them equally. They probably do feel inferior but you just talk to them on how we are all special at different things. They will find their gift. It may be good people skills, it may be sport it may be anything but that they are all special

Answer 3

latin at five are you kidding me ?

Answer 4

It's very hard for anyone other than the child's parents to really understand a gifted child, particularly if they have a bit of an eccentric personality. If you have already repeatedly pointed out your other children's special talents etc and pay as much attention to their progress and successes as to your gifted child, then that is all you can do and everyone will just have to learn to deal with the situation as best they can.

If you haven't already, consult with a good psychologist about your children's relationships and how best to deal with the giftedness - it can be quite daunting. Also have your son's giftedness measured, it opens many doors and gives you a clearer picture once you have an IQ measurement

Answer 5

Stop saying genius or special. Find out the talents the other two have been blessed with and let them know you know what they are good at. Every child has talents and skills. Brilliance only gets you so far in life. You need much more then intellectual intelligence for a full, balanced life. There is no "better or best" in talents and abilities, only "different". Celebrate each one for the miracle that they are. Best wishes, G

Answer 6

Stop calling him a genius and special.

Answer 7

If you have been trying hard to explain they are not inferior then you are putting the ideas into their  heads that they are. Why even bring it up? Stop drawing attention to their differences.

Answer 8

All children have qualities that put them above and beyond thier siblings... Your 6 year old is intelligent, but it's your job to find out what special qualities your other children have too... Do they have a sport they can enjoy? A love for computers, art, music? Even something like boy scouts... Find what they are good at and dwell on that!! This will make them feel "special" too!!

Answer 9

Latin at 5 is really impressive.  But I think you've answered your own question.  You have a "special" child in the headlines.  Your other children are special too.  They all have gifts and talents and maybe you are not helping the others find theirs.  Do you spend more time at his school and or event's than the others?