The Kid's First Semester Report

Some of you already know about my 13 year-old who is in The Academy of Math and Science for gifted children. She finished her career testing Monday and we received the news they strongly recommend that, because of her advanced work in math and biology, she study for a career in medicine. Last spring she went to world math competitions at NASA and won first place. She planned to become a marine biologist and was fortunate enough to go underwater cave diving with some marine biologists and loved it.

I am very proud of her and the work that she is doing but I'm not ready to let her sacrifice her teenage years or high school graduation and go straight to college. She will not be 14 years old until March and I want her to have a normal life like other kids. Are we making the right decision?

Absolutely Bug. Sure it's great to have all that going on, she's headed for greatness and huge paychecks. But all that means Dudely Squat if you don't have some fun along the way. The growing up passage should never be denied or discouraged from a young person, just this ole country boy's opinion for what it's worth.

I agree with you both on this. Although she is obviously a gifted child, she will have the rest of her life to accomplish great things. She only has the next 4 years to enjoy her friends, dances, prom, a boyfriend or two. She will need to have these teen years for her to mature on her own timeclock. I have never been in favour of pushing children into college too fast. She will get there soon enough. She will always remember her teen years. Good choice, BB.:)

Heck...I'm gonna say she's already 14 since she's only a couple of months away from really being 14. What does your daughter think about it Bugs?

My opinion is I think everyone should have a great childhood if at all possible, it's not always possible of course but that's another story...but for me high school was one of the most fun times of my entire life.

I'm of the belief that if you take away a kids ability to make the kid mistakes then they never learn and will crash when they get older. Seen several examples of that with family friends who had it all and when they got on their own they were like wide eyed kids and making mistakes or being taken advantage of.
Naturally I understand that doesn't happen to all kids but it can. Congrats Bug!

[QUOTE=bassin_bug;393068]Some of you already know about my 13 year-old who is in The Academy of Math and Science for gifted children. She finished her career testing Monday and we received the news they strongly recommend that, because of her advanced work in math and biology, she study for a career in medicine. Last spring she went to world math competitions at NASA and won first place. She planned to become a marine biologist and was fortunate enough to go underwater cave diving with some marine biologists and loved it.

I am very proud of her and the work that she is doing but I'm not ready to let her sacrifice her teenage years or high school graduation and go straight to college. She will not be 14 years old until March and I want her to have a normal life like other kids. Are we making the right decision?[/QUOTE]

I was in a similar class when I was her age, however the "gifted" part meant something completely different! :D (short bus gifted, lol) That is awesome that your daughter has the gift of intelligence, however, you are only young ONCE...those experiences that happen at that age only will happen ONCE...I would definitely let her experience high school and the wonderful friendships and memories she will have...memories that will last her life-time. I know that my dearest friends were made during highschool, friends that I still consider my best friends today. She will have forever to be a successful adult. IMHO

-Rich

[QUOTE=Chubminnow;393161]Heck...I'm gonna say she's already 14 since she's only a couple of months away from really being 14. What does your daughter think about it Bugs?

My opinion is I think everyone should have a great childhood if at all possible, it's not always possible of course but that's another story...but for me high school was one of the most fun times of my entire life.[/QUOTE]

"What does she think about it?" She took it with a big yawn. lol She only has about 2-1/2 years left in high school if she continues on this course. I wouldn't have her miss all the fun she is having with friends for anything. She is at the "giggles" stage where she laughs until her face hurts, or gets hiccups, and still can't stop laughing, and loves playing pranks on the family and friends. Her passion is getting a new Mustang car when she turns the "Big 16". I have told her that I don't give organ donor cars to kids; that she can have a 1981 Ford Escort if it has enough dents and rust and I'll pay extra if it smokes. When we see one in traffic she covers her eyes and moans. I tell her, "Look! There is your sweet-sixteen birthday present."

I absolutely refuse to allow her to go out into this big cruel world and enter college so young. She has boundaries, love, and protection in her home and she likes things just the way they are.

Glad to hear you say that Bug, I think you are correct. I just got an email with a bunch of "Life's Lessons" and one of them was:

"Your child only had one childhood, let them enjoy it!"

Grumpy

[QUOTE=Grumpy;393286]"Your child only had one childhood, let them enjoy it!"[/QUOTE]
Truer words were never spoken. You're doing the right thing.

Well if she has another 2.5 years in high school, she'll still have time to have some fun. She may lose her edge or get sidetracked if she's not challenged, so maybe you should consider letting her pursue her gifts. Either way, you've got some time to see how it shapes up. Congratulations on raising a very bright kid.

[QUOTE=Devils Horse;393304]Well if she has another 2.5 years in high school, she'll still have time to have some fun. She may lose her edge or get sidetracked if she's not challenged, so maybe you should consider letting her pursue her gifts. Either way, you've got some time to see how it shapes up. Congratulations on raising a very bright kid.[/QUOTE]

She is in a private school, for gifted children only, and the reason she is there is because regular school offered no challenges. Her classes are structured and she is in the top of the most gifted students class; every day they are challenged. She even does math and biology competitions with college students and is in the International Education System. I wouldn't think of not allowing her to pursue her gifts and whether she walks it out class by class, year by year, or college now, her learning capacity will not be diminished. She must have balance and variety in her life in order to have a solid foundation on which to grow and build. All book learning and no other experiences can produce a person with no common sense. jmo

[QUOTE=bassin_bug;393307]She is in a private school, for gifted children only, and the reason she is there is because regular school offered no challenges. Her classes are structured and she is in the top of the most gifted students class; every day they are challenged. She even does math and biology competitions with college students and is in the International Education System. I wouldn't think of not allowing her to pursue her gifts and whether she walks it out class by class, year by year, or college now, her learning capacity will not be diminished. She must have balance and variety in her life in order to have a solid foundation on which to grow and build. All book learning and no other experiences can produce a person with no common sense. jmo[/QUOTE]

Wow Bug I like your thinking your doing a great job....but on a lighter note........will you be my mommy?:) JK with ya. Merry Christmas to you and the family.