It’s not a one size fits all formula but some experts suggest there are certain characteristics that you should look out for to tell whether your little genius has a high IQ.
In an interview with Fabulous, Mensa’s gifted child consultant Lyn Kendall pointed out some exceptional attributes that may tell if your child is gifted.
Here’s what she pointed out…
7 signs your child is a secret genius
1. Sense of humour
This doesn’t appear to be an obvious attribute for having a little Albert Einstein on your hands but Lyn insists humour and intelligence are linked.
She says: “I haven’t done any research on this, but I would say most stand-up comedians are high IQ. Because they have to think on their feet and this is what our kids are good at.
“They soak up information, whether it be jokes or things people said three weeks ago that you wish they had forgotten. So they can be, and usually are, an absolute joy.”
2. Endless questions
Parents of bright children are always exhausted as their inquisitive child is asking constant questions about the world.
By getting your child into reading books, it’s a good way to feed this passion for knowledge but it also allows you to have a little break!
3. Loves to chat
A little chatterbox is also another sign of a high intellect.
Gifted kids are often described as ‘little adults’ because of their inclination to chat with adults rather than their peers. But sometimes it’s not about quantity, it’s about quality.
If your child enjoys talking about a variety of subjects they may go on to become a rocket scientist.
4. High standards
If your child gets frustrated if they can’t draw something to their standards or wants something a certain way, this frustration may be because they have set themselves such high standards.
“Intellectually they may be ten years ahead, but physically and emotionally they are still the right age,” says Lyn.
5. Unusual interests
Hobbies or interests or an in-depth knowledge of certain subjects is usually a good indicator you have a gifted child on your hands.
It’s all well and good exposing your child to classical music or getting them a maths tutor, but the difference is, a highly intelligent child has a non-stop thirst for knowledge.
6. Bright parents
The apple often doesn’t fall very far from the tree when it comes to intelligence in families.
“If you have got a real bright spark on your hands, as parents, you will tend to be bright as well,” says Lyn.
“Now, that doesn’t mean that you are wealthy, successful, or anything else.”
7. An early passion for maths
Maths is purely cerebral, you can do it in your head. It is also about problem solving and using your brain to work out equations quickly, with only one correct answer.
Experts generally agree that nature and nurture both play a role when it comes to being good at maths.
Mensa’s checklist for parents
- An unusual memory
- Passing intellectual milestones early
- Reading early
- Unusual hobbies or interests or an in-depth knowledge of certain subjects
- Intolerance of other children
- An awareness of world events
- Set themselves impossibly high standards
- May be a high achiever
- Prefers to spend time with adults or in solitary pursuits
- Loves to talk
- Asks questions all the time
- Learns easily
- Developed sense of humour
- Musical
- Likes to be in control
- Makes up additional rules for games
- Extrovert/introvert
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