I get many questions from parents about their very young children. Is their son or daughter gifted? If so, what should the parents do about it? This is a very difficult and controversial subject to address. There are several of schools of thought on the subject.

In Joan Franklin Smutny’s article, Identifying Gifted Toddlers, note that she addresses the question: “What do you look for in a potentially gifted toddler?” She also provides a list titled: “Your toddler may be gifted if he or she…” I think it’s important to note the words “potentially” and “may.” She is not saying that children who exhibit these characteristics necessarily are gifted.

 

While you may not be able to find a program like New Zealand’s Small Poppies, you can certainly take some of the strategies used in the program to work with your toddler.

 

The question of when you should conscientiously teach your toddler to learn is addressed in Carol Bainbridge’s answer to a parent’s question.

 

I personally think that the easiest way to address this dilemma is twofold. No matter what you think your child's abilities are,

If your child has the potential to develop giftedness in a certain area, she will pursue it in earnest for an extended period of time. Above all, talk to your toddler and give him lots of attention and love.