Fact Sheet for Parents

of “Bored” Gifted Kids

What does “bored” mean?

According to Deborah Ruf, gifted children may be saying “I’m bored” because their long attention spans are not conducive to the structure of the school day.  There are many transitions throughout the school day at all grade levels, and many bright children would prefer to investigate the depths of certain subjects than stop to go to lunch (for example).

“I’m bored” can also be a warning sign for a lack of motivation or for underachievement.  When a child isn’t interested in the topic at hand, lacking coping skills and intrinsic motivation, they tune out.  In the case of underachievement, the child chooses to be uninvolved in the class.

What can parents do to help?

If your child says, “I’m bored”, ask why.  If they cannot tell you why, then they are probably not actually bored.  If they can tell you why, try some of the following ideas…

·        Encourage your child to jot down the things that he wants to learn more about, then help to provide some opportunities at home.  The school library, public library, community events, and the many other educational opportunities in Cincinnati are great places to start.  Connect this home learning to school learning by sending in some of his favorites to share with his teacher and class.

·        Discuss some coping skills and work to enhance intrinsic motivation for your child.  Refer to the “motivation” packet for more ideas.

·        Work together to develop resilience and persistence.  Refer to the “underachievement” packet for related suggestions.

·        Discuss the situation with her teacher, being sure not to call the class or teacher “boring”.  Brainstorm ideas together, taking your child’s personality and her teacher’s style into consideration.