Does this make my child a genius?

My children assimilate far too much information for my liking, I will have to start putting them in fron of mind-numbing cartoons so they stop asking impossible questions! My babies are already quite well rounded. They both have academic and cognitive ability well beyond average. The little on is already showing an interest in some sports (especially rugby, he's excellent at throwing and catching!) and he draws really well (apparently children aren't "supposed" to know how to draw circles when asked and such like before they are 3). The big one is very interested in science, art, astronomy and anything complicated to which I can not give a suitable answer! So I think they are doing well in the "well rounded" stakes.

Children's IQ's are calculated in a different way from adult IQ's. I don't know quite how it works, I will have to look it up. I will not disagree that this child is bright but while reading it, I thought "what's so special about that?" because my children can do pretty much the same things and more.

Even older kids should not know their IQ number. I think that if you have your kid tested and you know that they are a genius that should be good enough. Give your kid the tools to be successful. I am a bit biased though. My husband is a tested genius. His parents have always told him so, but they never gave him the tools to actually use his genius so he is lost. His cousin – also a test genius - was given everything he needed to be successful (like extra classes, skipped a head a few grades, etc) and he is super successful. It is one thing to have a genius kid and another to have a genius kid and help them develop properly.

Children's talents and interests should be encouraged, whatever they are. Your husband and his cousin are a perfect example that nurture plays an important role in success, regardless of potential ability. As I say, if a child WANTS to know if they are a genius then that's ok but I would not ask either of my children to take any sort of IQ test. To me, it is the same as anything else really. I don't tell my children that they need to participate in anything just because they happen to be good at it but if they are interested and they ask then that's fine. I consider IQ tests pretty much the same sort of thing.

That is all very true. Not that there is anything wrong with a child knowing he/she is clever or talented but I would not put my children through that sort of thing. An older child who chose to do that, possibly, but not a 3 year old. These genius children do apply themselves well though. I don't think anyone would have really cared if it was all about IQ!

My partner was reading by about age 2 but he's definitely not a genius! My own children aren't that keen on reading but neither am I. We're all still quite clever! I suppose you could have been considered a genius with your skills.

I'm not going to do that. I don't think it is good for children to be tested like that. Nurturing their talents and abilities is one thing but I would think that unnecessary tests simply puts pressure on children. I know my kids are clever and I'll continue to teach them as much as I can. I don't really need to know if they are an official genius. Thank you anyway.

That is true. I have known children get bored because they are ahead and are not challenged enough (I'm very familiar with this concept because I was one of those children!) I will always be certain to keep to a pace with which my children are comfortable and encourage them in whatever they want to do. I will stimulate them as much as I can for as long as I can. I am very proud of my 8 year old, he can tell me the planets of the solar system in order as well as many other facts about the universe as well as lots of other things! I enjoy learning with him which is a bonus for both of us. I'm proud of my toddler too. He's so funny. He knows all sorts of things. The normal things and more. My favourite thing he does at the minute is when he says things like "that's not a car because it's a motorbike" or "that's hot, I need to blow it". I think that's pretty good reasoning for a tiny person! He also draws well and knows where to put some features. He pointed to the top of the pic. and said "that's the hair", bottom of the picture was the nose and either side, he pointed out ears. I watched him draw ear-esque squiggles in the correct place alongside the eyes he had drawn. I was thinking about all the things he can do and, while I am always proud of him, I was actually amazed when I sat and thought about some of the things he does. Then I was even more proud of him while he played really nicely with other children. I may be proud of my kids for being clever but I also make a special point of letting them know I'm proud of them for being well-behaved and polite. While I'm busy being proud of them, I might just add that they are very handsome little fellows too!

Your daughter could very well be a genius if the article I read is anything to go by! My son is just learning to spell and recognise letters although there are a couple of letters and words he can recognise (provided he's paying attention!). I don't remember when he could rink from a cup and do that sort of thing but having had to feed him solids at four months, he was pretty efficient with a spoon before age 1. Now he's just started to use a knife along with spoon and fork. I don't think either of my children are brighter or more advanced than the other. It's hard to tell anyway with such an age gap but I'm not going to compare them with each other. I'm sure your younger daughter will excel at something later on!

Your nephew is not unusual. There are a lot of children who appear to be behind and then suddenly leap right forwards. Some kids just don't feel like doing certain things or some build up extra information before they decide to use it! The only thing my youngest had trouble with was crawling and walking but once he started, he quickly began running and he looks as if he's going to be good at sports too. I know certain people in my family would not read before they began school but triumphed easily when they did begin!

I agree with you. As I said, I have never considered that my child is a genius but when I read about this "genius" child, I did wonder why because most of what she does seems pretty normal to me. Children do develop at different rates in different areas and a high IQ is not necessarily a good indicator of outstanding ability or vice versa. My children can/could do a lot of things and I know they are above average but, even though they don't seem any less capable than these so called genius children, I have never really thought of either as a possible genius.

I have no intention of getting my children evaluated but thank you anyway. The article I read just made me think because, reading about a "genius" and thinking "my child can do that and that and that..." would make you wonder wouldn't it? I wouldn't mind knowing if there is an official genius in the house but I think 2 or 3 is far too young for official tests like that. I know my kids are great and will reach their full potential. They don't need to have a label to do so!

I, as you may have noticed, like to boast about how brilliant my children are! Not only academically but they are also very polite and generally nice people. So, I believe I have an awful lot to be proud of. Some children average out later, thats quite true. I thought my 8 year old was behind with his reading before he began school but discovered that he was actually average. He's now in the top half of his class for most things, including reading. I think nurture is important to make sure children do continue to develop as much as they can. There is no point having a bright child if they can not be encouraged to reach their potential.