Of course, I am very new to blogging and my intention isn't to gain a million readers and become a famous Mommy Blogger or to quit my full time job. I just want to share my experiences in raising an exceptional child with any of you who may be in the same boat and are wondering what this all means for you and your family.  Gifted identification is a double edged sword, on one hand it means that your child may learn at an accelerated rate and test higher than others of his/her age group but it also comes with a series of behavioral issues that aren't always easily handled with a simple "Because I am the Mom and I said so" response.
When I began thinking that testing for gifted was needed I went to the interweb to see what was out there as far a resources for parents like myself.  I found some Yahoo Groups, studies from various psychologists and a lot of sites trying to sell products to ensure my child would pass the tests and qualify.  The best sites I have found are:

Hoagies' Gifted Education

National Association for Gifted Children

Davidson Institute



A smart child isn't necessarily a gifted child, some characteristics of a gifted child are:

• Reasons well (good thinker)
• Learns rapidly
• Has extensive vocabulary
• Has an excellent memory
• Has a long attention span (if interested)
• Sensitive (feelings hurt easily)
• Shows compassion
• Perfectionistic
• Intense
• Morally sensitive
• Has strong curiosity
• Perseverant in their interests
• Has high degree of energy
• Prefers older companions or adults
• Has a wide range of interests
• Has a great sense of humor
• Early or avid reader (if too young to read, loves being read to)
• Concerned with justice, fairness
• Judgment mature for age at times
• Is a keen observer
• Has a vivid imagination
• Is highly creative
• Tends to question authority
• Has facility with numbers
• Good at jigsaw puzzles