Gifted Girls
- Gifted girls may face stereotypes that girls are not good at math or science.
- They may face peer pressure to be pretty rather than smart.
- Concerns about friendships or relationships with boys may cause girls to hide their giftedness.
- Studies show that many middle school aged gifted girls begin hiding their abilities in order to fit in or be desirable.
- As girls enter high school, they begin to be concerned about how to have a family and successful family.
Gifted Boys
- Boys may experience stereotypes that smart boys are nerdy and not athletic.
- Gifted boys who excel in academics may find trouble developing friendships.
- Boys experience stereotypes that boys are not good at writing.
- Many gifted boys are fidgety in class and are often referred for ADD/ADHD evaluation when in fact they are simply acting out of boredom.
What Can Parents Do?
- Provide role models of successful females who have happy family lives as well as successful careers.
- Expose gifted girls to female role models who are successful in math and science.
- Enroll gifted girls in programs that stress technology, math and science applications.
- Provide role models of successful males who are smart and athletic
Expose gifted boys to role models who are successful writers.