Generally, it's not recommended to tell a child their specific IQ score because it can create undue pressure, lead to fixed mindsets (thinking intelligence is static), or foster feelings of inadequacy, with experts suggesting praising effort and specific achievements instead of a number. IQ tests measure certain abilities, not a child's full potential, and focusing on a number can overshadow the importance of hard work, resilience, and other types of intelligence crucial for life success.
Sharing IQ scores with children is a bad practice. No one is perfect ALL the time, and they might just foist expectations on themselves they can never achieve. In my case, unless I was at the top of my class I was extremely ashamed/frustrated. Don't do that to your children.
Practical implications: A 120 IQ at age 7 usually indicates the child will do well academically and may benefit from enriched instruction, differentiated curriculum, or accelerative strategies if their school environment is not challenging enough.
Be honest, and be open. Keep bringing it up over time. Check in with the child. Make their giftedness as much a discussion as you would physical health. That means that you check in/talk about it occasionally, but it doesn't dominate discussions or inform all choices.
In summary, contrary to conventional parenting advice, research suggests that there are serious downsides to calling your child “smart” and that you may want to avoid this label or any praise that focuses on stable traits that they cannot change. Instead, try to praise effort, strategy, persistence, and focus.
Common Characteristics of Gifted Children:
Strong sense of curiosity. Enthusiastic about unique interests and topics. Quirky or mature sense of humor. Creative problem solving and imaginative expression.
This sensory focus helps interrupt escalating anxiety and supports calming responses. The rule is easy to apply in everyday situations. Children are guided to name three things they see, three things they hear, and move three body parts.
The best time to test gifted children is between the ages of 4 and 8. However, many gifted children are identified after the age of 8 years. A Giftedness Screening Assessment consists of a one-hour intake interview with a psychologist or clinician under the supervision of a psychologist.
But even the standard IQ measure changes during different life stages. Clearly, the IQ of young children changes as they mature. Several studies even show that working-memory training can raise the IQ of elementary-school children.
Signs of Giftedness in Children Include:
a need to explore subjects in surprising depth. an insatiable curiosity, as demonstrated by endless questions and inquiries. ability to comprehend material several grade levels above their age peers. surprising emotional depth and sensitivity at a young age.
Experts often categorize gifted children into five levels to better understand their abilities:
For many, the teenage years are the toughest due to emotional volatility, a strong desire for independence, and shifting family dynamics. A survey shows that many parents find the middle school years—ages 11 to 14—particularly challenging. This stage involves a mix of physical, emotional, and social changes.
9 Minutes of Conversation
Depending on age, children need at least 9 total minutes of eye-to-eye “face time.” It may be 9 minutes straight, or a minute here and there. Babies need a lot of contact with their parents—look at them and talk with them often (it doesn't matter what you say).
The 70 30 rule in parenting young children is a gentle reminder that you don't need to be perfect all the time. The idea is this: if you're able to respond to your child's needs with love and consistency 70% of the time, that's enough. The other 30%? It's okay to be imperfect.
1-2-3 Magic divides the parenting responsibilities into three straightforward tasks: controlling negative behavior, encouraging good behavior, and strengthening the child-parent relationship. The program seeks to encourage gentle, but firm, discipline without arguing, yelling, or spanking.
The Golden Rules for Children – Helping to Keep Life Simple!
As a result, the thirdborn is often a calmer, more easy going child. The youngest (even of two) tends to be smiley and charming and gets a lot of attention for his sunny disposition.