The term child prodigy is normally reserved for children who have by age 11 acquired or demonstrated skills in some discipline comparable to that of a skilled adult professional. It's this mastery of some field at an early age that distinguishes them from the merely gifted, talented or just plain smart kids most of us have come into contact with. Child prodigy is an extremely rare, even historical event. Think chess grandmaster at age 12, or just look at some examples of the artwork of Akiane.

While irritating, there is some truth to the definition, "if you have to ask . . ." Disappointed parents can take solace in the fact that child prodigy is no certain predictor of future success, let alone happiness. History abounds with geniuses, Albert Einstein, for example, leaders and pioneers without that distinction.

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Though certain to be highly controversial, our opinion is that it can. This question is a placeholder for a more complete response coming soon. Feel free to comment.

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This site is a forum for parents of young children seeking ways to maximize their child's talents in a way that's sensitive to their overall development as a person, placing their emotional wellbeing as the highest value.

Much thought on child prodigy emphasizes the nature side of the nature/nurture debate. Child prodigy and genius is considered an entirely genetic phenomenon. This site emphasizes the equal if not greater importance of environment in raising exceptional children: prenatal, early childhood and beyond.

We still find a bias toward mathematical and verbal skills in existing gifted/talented resources. This site encourages parents to seek out and promote skills among all of Howard Gardner's multiple intelligences.

This site is by parents for parents. We aim to cut through the academic jargon and clutter in the Education Industry, even to the point of questioning the value of the terms "Gifted" and "Prodigy". Over experts we favor the real stories, experience and wisdom of parents of gifted children and child prodigies.

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It's an arbitrary label. It creates a polarity between The Gifted and The Non-Gifted where there is no natural distinction. It increases a sense of isolation in a population of children already prone to feeling different and isolated from their peers; it serves to increase envy in those not falling into the category, children already prone to feeling envious of those that do. It can create a sense of superiority in those it's applied to, and enhance a sense of entitlement that creates a complex of emotional issues. Gifted is an antiquated term; it carries a 1970's ring to it. A more interesting set of questions is: Why is the term Gifted necessary? What do we gain from using it? Are there there any alternative ways to think about our unique children? See here for more.

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First, look within
Consider whether it's desirable to pursue this on behalf of your child. I recommend Naomi Aldort's work in guiding your approach as a parent.

Get out of the way
The most important thing for parents of very young children is not to interfere with them as much as possible. As much as you can, simply observe, be there as an aware presence, available to your child but not directing their activities. A child needs above all space, the space to be themselves, to simply be. See the original sources here.

Don't praise
Described very well here, praise undermines a child's opportunity to reward herself for her achievement.

Praise, repeated throughout a child’s development can deflect her focus away from the inner will to create, play, and do, outward to our adult response to what she creates, plays, and does.

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The definition of child prodigy implies accomplishment on par with adult professionals in a given field by an early age. No matter how talented, children need time and effort to acquire the skills to meet the definition (as opposed to savants, human calculators or the like, who need little or no work to develop the skill).

Other factors include:

• Concentration - the child must have an unusual ability to focus on a task.
• Enthusiasm and passion - the child must possess tremendous enthusiasm and passion for what they do.
• Self-confidence - the child must trust their own instincts.
• Opportunity and materials - the child must be given the time and materials (media, instruments) to practice and learn their skills.
• Education - the child needs the right education at the right time that does not hinder their development.

And all of this begs a discussion of whether it's desirable to pursue this on behalf of your child, no matter how talented they are. Please visit the forum to pursue these questions or pose your own.

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