In 2007, the American television sitcom The Big Bang Theory came out and it became one of the highest-rated 
TV shows on air. It was such a hit that in 2017, its spin-off Young Sheldon was released, this time focusing on the journey of the nine-year old Gifted Child, Sheldon Cooper. We are well aware of how difficult it is for children 
when others see them as different, and during National Parenting Gifted Children Week I want to acknowledge the struggles of his mother, Mary Cooper.
Like most parents of Gifted Children, Mary felt FEAR of him not only being smarter than her and her husband, but also that he would not be accepted by his peers. As a Gifted Child myself, I know now as an adult, how difficult it was for my parents as they learned how to navigate my endless questions in my pursuit of all knowledge.
This is where I want to honor Mary Cooper. She wasn’t a perfect mother and she sometimes
got frustrated by his endless questions and strong point of view. What made her a great parent is that she let Sheldon be Sheldon, despite how society wanted him to be. That was a gift that made Sheldon feel accepted and confident.
If I could go back and talk to the younger me, who like Sheldon was insatiably curious, I would make sure she understood that it was OK to be herself and that someday she would be comfortable standing in her own power by recognizing her value. I would encourage her to Own who she was and to Step Up and Stand Out because she was already amazing.
Adolescence is hard, no matter how you look at it. We all try to “fit in” and some have an easier time than others at achieving that goal. During #NationalParentingGiftedChildrenWeek, I want to make sure we are also remembering those kids that are on the Autism Spectrum. A large percentage of kids on the spectrum have above average IQ’s but even for those who don’t, they are gifted in looking at the world from a different point of view. If you are familiar with my #12Books12Months series, you know that book #8 was released this month, called Own It! How to Step Up and Stand Out and in Part I of that book, I introduced a character named Jaspie who was different. His parents worried about Jaspie like Sheldon’s parents worried about him. Both of Jaspie’s parents had a different way of helping him to handle his differences and eventually he learned to embrace who he was.
This book was what I call a pseudo sequel to book #2 Evict the Bully in Your Head where we were introduced to the Headspace Heroes who remind you that;
#YouAreEnough… just the way you are.
It is my belief that if we can stop what I call Bully Births and start teaching children to use Empathy instead of Apathy, we can assist them in becoming more accepting of themselves and others.
As we celebrate National Parenting Gifted Children Week, let’s spread awareness about educating everyone on what makes others different, while we learn to celebrate it. When we remember that Gifted Children need guidance just like everyone else, and that kids on the spectrum need an extra layer of acceptance and support, we are opening ourselves up to making needed changes in the world.
If you are part of a school, company, organization, hospital, church or prison and would like to find out more about the ways we are building self-esteem and ridding the world of NES (Not Enough Syndrome) please fill out this form and someone from our staff will be in contact with you.
For those of you who would like an extra layer of support for parenting a child like Jaspie, join us here in the Love & Support for Parents of Children with Asperger’s. We are a small group, that is growing, and we would love to help and support you on your journey while learning from your experience. If you are an entrepreneur that wants an extra layer of support in your business, join the Entrepreneurial Rock Stars so we can help you #RockThatDream
As a Gifted Child and as the mother of Gifted Children, I speak from both sides of the coin. The journey can be tricky, but the rewards are definitely worth it. So today as part of National Parenting Gifted Children Week, take a moment to acknowledge your child. After all, our children are all gifted in their own way, so we should celebrate them… just the way they are.
Until next week,