When Joshua was 10 years old he spent a year studying the Ice Age from a Creation perspective. He read a selection of books, asked himself questions, researched for answers and wrote many thoughts and articles. At the end of the year he came to me with a question on the tectonic plates.
I was stumped – I had no idea, I didn’t really care much either (to be totally honest!!) I was faced with something that had been sitting at the back of my mind – Help! My child is smarter than I am!!
So what was I going to do with his tectonic plates question? I told him that I couldn’t help him. That he only had the question because he had been reading books for 9 months and for me to know the answer I would have to read the same books plus more. I don’t have time for that! So he had two choices
- He could accept that he didn’t know the answer and maybe when he was older he could delve deeper and maybe find the answer
- Or
- He could research some more and find the answer now. (He had already been online searching for answers)
He chose to find the answer now!! Even though I didn’t know the subject matter, I was able to give him some keywords to direct and guide further internet search and within an hour he had found the answer he wanted. I was helpful afterall!!
What I came to learn through this situation was that, yes, he is a clever boy, a deeper thinker than I am, but I am still his mum; I am still an adult with age, experience and broader perspective. It was from this perspective that I was able to give him some keywords which helped him in his academic pursuit.
We cannot be intimidated by our own lack of knowledge but rather be ourselves, and use what we do have at our disposal to encourage our kids. I had time, better skills at scanning for key words, a passion to help my child learn. I have learnt so much as have got involved in my son’s learning.
At other times, when it becomes obvious that he is thinking on a plane deeper than me, I remind myself that it isn’t what we know that our children need to learn – it is who we are.
My son has not been given smarts just to be smart. God has a purpose for him, and God’s purposes always include people. So yes, he may be smarter than I am but I have been given the task to grow up a young man – who loves God, and loves people. His intelligence is part of the package – but not the whole package.
It is our passion for God and our value system that we need to pass onto our children. It is our desire for wisdom and not so much our knowledge that is important for our children to see and catch a hold of in their own hearts. Whenever I feel inadequate to meet any of my kids needs – I remember God has promised wisdom to any who ask. He is a faithful God.
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God,
and he will give it to you.
He will not rebuke you for asking.
James 1:5 (TNL)
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Further Reading:
- Why we held back our gifted child – Don’t be distracted from educating the whole child, just because they are gifted
- Intelligence is a Gift: It is to be used for God’s Purposes: When a child shows a particular giftedness we need to train the whole child – their strengths and weaknesses. This is very pertinent for intelligent kids.
Throughout the week I share with other blogs – check out my Link ups and Party page
