The Cabinet with Drawers: An Early Beginning

The First Signs

Do you recognize that feeling? Your four-year-old who suddenly asks where time goes when it passes. Or your toddler who can already hold entire conversations about the origin of the universe. As a parent, you sometimes stand amazed at the questions and observations that come from that little mouth. And your child? They often stand amazed too - not at the questions they ask, but at the reactions they receive.

The Cabinet with Drawers: An Early Beginning

Imagine this: where most children are born with a standard cabinet with four drawers, your child comes into the world with an imposing antique cabinet. A cabinet with dozens of drawers, each filled with possibilities, questions, and insights. From preschool age, you notice this cabinet is different:

• Some drawers are full of 'why-questions' that go beyond the usual toddler-why

• Other drawers contain intense emotions that seem bigger than the moment

• There are drawers full of patterns and connections that other children don't see yet

• And drawers with a sense of justice that runs far ahead of their age

The Early Awareness of Being Different

Gifted children often notice very early that they are 'different.' They feel it when:

• Their jokes aren't understood by peers

• Their interests don't align with what other children find fun

• They think faster than the rest and become impatient

• They experience emotions more intensely than others

The Challenges of Early Discovery

These early signs can be confusing, both for the child and their environment:

• Your child may feel lonely among peers

• Boredom can arise in the classroom

• It can lead to underperforming to 'fit in'

• Or conversely, to perfectionism to compensate for being 'different'

From Recognition to Acknowledgment

The beautiful thing is: when we recognize these early signs, we can transform them into strength. It's like finding the right key for that special cabinet:

1. Acknowledge the Uniqueness

   1. Confirm that thinking and feeling differently is okay

   2. Celebrate curiosity and deep thinking

   3. Make space for intense emotions

      
      

2. Create Safety

   1. Provide an environment where questions are welcome

   2. Ensure challenge at the appropriate level

   3. Help find developmental peers

      
      

3. Develop Talent

   1. Stimulate natural curiosity

   2. Provide tools to handle intensity

   3. Help develop social skills at their own pace

   
   
   
   

Practical Tips for Parents and Caregivers

1. Daily Support

   1. Take time for deep conversations

   2. Offer challenging activities

   3. Respect the need for alone time

      
      

2. School and Development

   1. Find a learning environment that fits your child

   2. Discuss adaptations with teachers

   3. Seek contact with other parents of gifted children