Parents should start reading to their children as soon as possible to help their minds develop. Over the first few years, you may notice some signs your child is smarter than other children his or her age. Mensa, the High IQ Society, has provided some behaviors that indicate your child is advanced. You should pay attention to these signs, so you can help your child’s mind grow. Starting early can help your child excel for the rest of his or her life.
1. Early Reading Skills
Most children should be able to read fairly well by the time they are six or seven. However, some children are able to read on their own by the time they reach four. This is a sign of extreme intelligence, and you should have plenty of books on-hand for your child to go through. Intelligent kids have a profound passion for reading, so it is good to get them hooked early on. Even if your child does not learn to read until a little later, you should still read to your child often to help foster that growth.
2. Exceptional Memory
It takes time for most babies (evolving into children) to remember what they did the previous day. Kids should be able to start remembering by the time they are three. They will recall various bits of information and things that have happened. However, most children forget early autobiographical memories by the time they hit seven. Interestingly enough, those who can recall early childhood memories tend to learn and progress faster.
Also, the ability to memorize numbers, words and facts is a definite sign your child may be ahead of the curve.
3. Talkative Around Adults
There is a good reason why other parents will refer to gifted children as “little adults.” They are typically quite talkative and have an inclination to strike up a conversation with an adult as opposed to other kids. You may see these children talking to the adults at a birthday party. When your child enjoys conversation, then it is a possible sign of early intelligence.
4. High Bars for Success
Smart children have an instinctual need to constantly outdo themselves. This is a trait you also find in successful adults. You may notice your child actively wanting to do better in a certain field. This is a great trait to have because your child will seek out new school subjects to learn about. It is a sign of a high IQ.
A word of advice… parents with these kinds of children need to be wary of their kids getting too stressed out. They may develop high levels of anxiety if they fail to meet those goals.
5. Musical Talent
Parents who want to do a lot of good for their kids’ futures should have them take up a musical instrument. There is a strong link between academic and musical intelligence. Kids can also benefit in their school studies by knowing how to play an instrument. Kids who know how to play often do better at math than kids who do not. These kids may never become professional musicians, but it is a great talent to have.
6. Sense of Humor
Some of the most intelligent people throughout history had a great sense of humor. If you notice your child cracking jokes, then you should encourage that behavior. Being able to tell a joke and understand what is humorous about it is actually a sophisticated trait. Not all kids can do it. Funny quips and puns are a sign of greatness.
7. General Curiosity
Above all else, parents should pay attention if their kids are naturally curious. This is an indicator of an inquisitive mind. This curiosity often manifests itself as the child asking a lot of questions to learn more. It may become annoying after a while, but parents should indulge this curiosity. Answer as many questions as possible to
Even if your youngster does not demonstrate all of the above traits, he or she still has a genius of their own. Intellect manifests itself in different ways. In fact, it’s important to know that some of the greatest genius’ of all time weren’t considered “above average” in their youth.
The secret to success with your kids is to encourage their individual talents and support them against all odds. With your support, they can achieve their wildest dreams.