Skip to main content

My Kid Is Smart, But He's Not a Genius


As moms, we can see our kids in that sweet-pea-apple-of-my-eye sort if way. So much so that we can tend to see them through rose-colored lenses, exaggerating their strengths and talents so much that we may be doing them a disservice. (Or just flat out lying on Facebook.)

Lately, I have been so proud of my boy. He was placed in the highest reading group in kindergarten and since getting his glasses has jumped 5 units immediately and then a unit a day thereafter.

 I am so proud - he is a fantastic reader. I have been so proud that I took to social media to brag about him. Now, what I said was true and I am very proud, but here's the thing - he's still 5, he's still a kindergartener, and he's still learning. He is smart but he's not a genius. 

After my post a friend suggested getting him tested for a gifted/honors program at school. I asked his teacher about it and she said:

"Well, the deadline for testing has passed already..."

And then, bless her sweet soul:

"But that program isn't just for reading, it's for all around academics and problem solving."

I had to laugh at myself! It was as if she was saying, "He's a high reader but he's not a genius. Pump the breaks, lady." 

This is why (Well, one of the reasons) I'm so thankful for teachers. They see our kids as just that...KIDS. Not the center of the universe. Since he's my first born, it's easier for me to get wrapped up in thinking he's smarter than he is.

Isaiah's teacher has been so great for him, she has gone above and beyond to work with him and the other students in class. As a classroom volunteer I have seen the strides each kid has made in a matter of months. 

And while every accomplishment they make and every goal that's met should be celebrated, it also should be expected. Why? because we're raising these little humans to one day be big humans and that is simply how the world works. There are things exoected out of you. You don't get a cookie for every good deed or work assignment you complete. 

So if you're proud of them, be proud. Brag a little. But be realistic. If your child is successful at their grade level, be proud. Don't exaggerate. And, for goodness sake, don't overly celebrate what is expected of them.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The 10-20-30-40-50 Workout

    I get asked what I do for exercise quite often. I, in no way, have the perfect body, but I am in pretty decent shape and I think it is always important to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle whether you're a mom or not. I don't think being a mom is an excuse to not be healthy (and just so y'all know, being healthy doesn't mean we don't have stretch marks or extra cushion. AmIright?) but I do understand dedicating a large quantity of your day to fitness is really difficult. In addition to having a desire to be healthy, I workout because food. I love it. And I don't want to stop eating it. So I workout. I take one kickboxing/insanity class each week at a local church (I LOVE IT!) but other than that I'm on my own for exercise. Running is usually my go-to - it has always been relaxing, calming and therapeutic to me. Then my kids turned 2 and 4 and I was like 'holy cow! Is there an actual COW in this stroller I'm pushing? One that won...
Post a Comment
Read more

Each Day Has Enough Trouble of Its Own

Sometimes we hear exactly what we need to hear. That's what happened to me this week. Along with motherhood, as many of you know, comes so much worry. Worry about the well-being of your child. Worry about doing things correctly. Worry about giving enough time to your children and enough time to your husband. Worry about finding enough time for yourself. Worry about being a good mom and a good wife. Worry about getting enough sleep tonight so I can have enough energy to get through tomorrow. The list of worries and anxieties go on and on. They don't tell you about this when we sign up to be parent. Or do they? Anyway, last week I was reading the Bible. While studying the book of Matthew I came across this verse: "But seek first His kingdom and all His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:33-34 Isn't that script...
2 comments
Read more

19 Meals, $114

Here we go... Menu: 2 Potato Soup 2 Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli 1 Sweet Hawaiian Chicken 2 Italian Peppers and Sausage 1 Roast Beef Au Jus 1 Memphis BBQ Pit Pork Roast and Potatoes 1 Cheeseburger Soup 2 Chili 1 Honey Mustard BBQ Chicken 1 Italian Sausage Spaghetti Sauce 1 Balsamic Roast 2 Mac and Cheese (non crock pot) 2 Shepherds Pie (non crock pot) Shopping List: 2 cartons chicken broth (or 4 cans) 3 cream of chicken 3 cans corn 4 cans tomato sauce 3 cans cheddar cheese soup 4 cans diced tomatoes 1 can diced pineapple 2 cans kidney beans 2 cans black beans 3 bottles BBQ sauce 1 bottle honey mustard 1 Memphis BBQ Pit Seasoning Packet 1 Au Jus seasoning packet 2 packages cream cheese 3 bags of shredded cheddar cheese 2 Pork Roasts 1 package roast beef 2 bags of chicken breasts 2 packages Italian sausage links 1 package Italian sausage (ground) 8-10 lbs. ground beef 2 boxes yellow rice 1 box spaghetti noodles 2 boxes macaroni noodles 4 p...
Post a Comment
Read more