Geeks and nerds run the world. It’s true! Think Bill Gates and Alan Greenspan. Think doctors, lawyers, and computer programmers. Very few athletes make it to the top, and they rarely run the world.*
In the technology arena and research & development, the science and engineering departments are made up mostly of gifted children who grew up to be geeks and nerds. They change the face of the world one discovery, development, or upgrade at a time. They improve the standard of living for everyone. Our technology workforce is demanding better-educated people now and in the future. Reading early the right way is the foundation. Direct instruction in phonics, math, music, etc., is the key.
Gifted children want to fit in and are sometimes worried to show their intelligence in secondary schools for fear of being labeled a nerd. Tell them that ‘geeks and nerds run the world’ and often become the bosses of those types who used to make fun of them. It’s okay to develop athletic skills, in fact there is a mind-body connection that is discussed in Vol. 8 of my book, It's Not Rocket Surgery! However, if a choice had to be made, it is much more important- for a child’s future success- to develop his/her mind and intelligence.
As previously discussed, intelligence is one-part nature, one-part nurture, and one-part inner determination. Whatever the factors, it is clear that parents must not let their gifted children be left to fend for themselves in school. Parents can follow the best practices of phonics reading instruction (and math and music instruction) with their children at home to ensure a great foundation for success.
Gifted children need exposure to many types of learning to be well-rounded. One of the best programs for kids is scouting. They start as young as 6 years and go until age 18. Scouting gives your child a sense of accomplishment. Being able to claim the rank of Eagle Scout on a resume' is an impressive and prestigious thing.
To find information for a scout troop near your home, go to the Boy Scouts of America office near you: http://www.hoac-bsa.org.
For info on Brownies and Girl Scouting, go to http://www.girlscouts.org/.
Many writers and philosophers, who help shape that way we think, are grown geeks and nerds, too. It takes a measure of intelligence to write a compelling essay or book. It takes a deeper thinker to tap into our innermost humanity and explain the world to us. Anyone should be proud to be called a geek or nerd. What’s the opposite of this? A materialistic, shallow person, who doesn't usually accomplish much.
There is nothing wrong with looking your best if you also develop your mind and talents. Let fashion and working-out be your accessories, not your focus. I love to watch TLC’s What Not to Wear as they transform a brainiac into a beauty. It enhances her talents, rather than becomes her focal point.
Children should never be ashamed of their mental abilities. At the same time, they need to stay humble and teachable. This is the great trick – to understand your gifts, use them for good, and not be smug about it.
My children love to play video games (as well as excel on the swim team, athletics). One has a gamer shirt that says, ‘Pirates always beat ninjas.’ Likewise, brains always beat muscles. That is why we humans have always dominated our environment – there are animals bigger and stronger than mankind, but our brains usually give us the ability to survive better. They also give us the greater responsibility to care for the rest of the planet.
Wise parents will help their children to appreciate their mental gifts with an eye towards using them to do good things for the world, to improve it for themselves, others, and their children. They will help them realize that intelligence is a gift to be used to benefit their sphere of influence, something they can be proud to pass on to the next generation. They will teach them to realize that childhood is very short and that, sooner than they think, people will reward them for being intelligent.
*(My husband reminded me that Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jesse Ventura were both athletes who became political leaders, but they are by far the exception, not the rule.)
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