The Kid's First Semester Report

[DJD]

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!

[RICHYD4U]

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?

I was in a similar class when I was her age, however the "gifted" part meant something completely different! (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

[roadrunner]

Bug you are lucky having such a gifted young lady, I think you are most certainly doing the right thing College will still be there in two year and she will be a freshman with boys and girls her age. I think you only have to look at children stars that were taken out of a normal child hood and how they ended up. Luckily I am 64 years old and still a child at heart. I will never grow up. As far as a career she needs to do what she has a love and passion for.

Merry Christmas.