TIP OF THE WEEK: How to Stay a Step Ahead of a Smart Kid

A few weeks ago, I wrote a post entitled, Why DO Smart Kids Worry?  and received lots of questions and feedback asking for more information. I have often tried to explain how smart kids think and the most simple answer I can come up with is that smart kids take everything to the next level. Whether that’s a math problem, a conversation they’ve overheard or how they view themselves in relationship to others, smart kids don’t take things at face value, they take them to another level completely. The chart below explains this better than I can (or could)!

Average Kid                                                  Smart Kid

8 + 2 = 10
                                                         8 + 2 = 5 + 5

I see a snake.                                I see a boa constrictor.

I’m 10 years old.                      I’ve lived 1/8th of my life.

I’m different.                                              I’m an anomaly.

Some people die.                               I may be one of them.

Pollution is bad.
                         It’s destroying the Earth.

My parents are fighting.          They’re getting a divorce.

I feel scared.                               I may never feel safe again.

Knowing how smart kids think will help you be more prepared to answer questions and not overreact when your child throws you off-guard with a random statement about the universe or death. You can stay a step ahead of your smart child by knowing that these questions will come and that you’ll have a good enough answer when they do. More tips later on how to answer tough questions!

For more information about smart kids, order Why Smart Kids Worry.