How to Determine Hidden Genius

In my last article, the discussion was over the peril I went through as I was regarded as slow and dimwitted compared to my mainstream classmates…that is, until people began to recognize my talents and abilities, even to the point of concluding that such abilities exhibited a high level of intellect and intelligence.

Determining children's hidden genius, and even determining the hidden levels of strong intellect and intelligence, can be quite a task, but through patience, research, and endurance, it can be quite the easy task! Also, while trying to figure out whether your child or someone you know has a hidden genius factor about themselves, one must also be very aware of the fact that society sometimes will outcast and taunt or make fun of individuals who are very mentally gifted. Because of this, some children may try to keep there levels of high intelligence and intellect hidden, and try to "act stupid," or simply try acting like the rest of his or her classmates, whether it's bad behavior or whether it's trying to keep up with the terminology or slang, actions, or pop - culture trends of the rest of the kids around him. Instead of risking the possibilities of being shunned or made fun of by peers, some will try to avoid answering any questions in class, doing any school work or carrying around books or school supplies, and do things to fit - in even to the point of damaging there academic performance.

Though I had to tolerate a similar situation, I believe that I overcame it through focus and through loving parents and family members, even though there were challenges in understanding me and my logic at times. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for my mother, father, and family and true close friends; all of which who appreciate my gifts and talents, and did every single thing they could to provide me with the supplies and technology to enrich my intellectual and mentally stimulating tastes and activities.

Some of the behaviors to recognize in a child or any individual of hidden genius is as follows:

SPEECH:

Some children who exhibit a specific level of hidden genius tend to know how to determine the time and place for everything. Children who can speak with great professionalism and maturity, even to the point of using a medium to high dense of vocabulary within there discussions with people may actually have a specific level of hidden genius or high intelligence. Do watch out for some children who have a hard time trying to talk with there own peers…in other words, not getting along with classmates or with other kids, but are exceptionally good with talking with those who are, for the most part, a few years older than them and who may be of the same intellect and or intelligence; this is a very important sign to watch out for simply due to the fact that children exhibiting behavior in this area could be potentially "wise beyond there years," as the cliché goes.

READING:

Just because your child may have a bit of a hard time comprehending in his earlier stages of schooling, doesn't mean the potential for them to grow into reading good books will become dismal. In fact, most of the books I read even as a kid were not even at my level, but instead was beyond my own comprehension at times. Other times, the books I read were ones of interest in a topic or issue of discussion that was not covered within the walls of my classes until I was in Jr. High and High School. Make sure to observe what your child is reading. But fret not if your child is reading things like comics and other books that may not be intellectually stimulating…remember, your child is doing what any kid should do…be a kid!

ECCENTRIC BEHAVIOR: This is the section I've been itching to write about. Do take note, that some children tend to have a goofy or weird behavior…not so much to the point of being little devils, but basically between the spectrum of just being goofy to be goofy, and being so creative and so innovative and intelligent, that they are just a tad bit weird! But no worries…believe it or not, being a little eccentric is ok. Webster's Dictionary defines eccentric as "different or peculiar." That is definitely a behavior to aim for. Besides, do you really want your kid(s) to be just like everyone else, or be like society, or be like what the television or radio tells them to be like. If you answered NO, than you are a perfect candidate for tolerating your child having a mild bit of eccentric behavior. Some kids may try speaking a different language and speak that language all day…others may try creating there own code language…and some may try not to speak for a whole day period! Sounds weird enough!? When I was younger and mentioned how I love doing storm chase work and tracking severe weather, I was also looked at funny by both my peers and adults…obviously some thought I lost my mind! Don't think that your child is a danger to himself or others though…in fact, hidden genius could also be factored through the creativity and difference in a child's behavior…and facts about odd and strange things could be one of those things that make your child want to learn more and more about the world around them.

FINAL NOTE: Do remember, that sometimes the hidden genius of a child does not necessarily mean high intelligence across the board…in everything and in every subject that is. Your child may be the best in one or many different activities or subjects, and the most important thing to do as a parent, teacher, or guardian and mentor, is to support and encourage your child. No idea is a bad idea…well, unless it gets you or someone else potentially injured. Open your mind to the possibilities, and encourage your child to do so! When I got fully interested in Meteorology, my mother and father immediately bought me books, catalogs, maps, and a computer with internet capabilities to help me along the way in learning as much as I can about the study of weather…and this was at 10 and 11 years old!! Weather forecasting was one of the many activities that made me feel good about the fact that I was not the same as some kids, and though I had few friends, that I, as many others, were born for something special and unique.