Allowing Creativity Amongst the Genius

Our oldest has always been the one with the incredible test scores, massive memory, super smart----we've always assumed he wanted to be a scientist when he grew up. I think this is what he even told us a few times. But recently he came home and surprised us.

At school they were having a discussion on hope. They wanted the students to tell what their dreams and hopes were, and how they would be able to reach their goal. He came home with a picture of a tree that showed the roots. He said the roots were who helped support him and then on the leaves was what his goal was.

Now, what do you suppose was on this tree? No, no scientists, world leaders, doctors, computer professionals, teachers, etc. Nope. His was "I want to be a Professional Dancer." Yep.

So, I showed this to my husband who of course freaked out, silly him! I pulled him outside while he proceeded to panic and ask what we could do to defer him from thinking this is what he wanted in life. Now, it's not what you're thinking. My husband has been very accepting of our oldest's love of dance and hatred of sports. It is not because he doesn't like it, but there were 2 concerns he had:

1-"How can he do that? He is still so awkward and a little uncoordinated, he's like me! Look at me! I'm a clutz! How can he be a professional dancer?"

and

2-"He's so smart. Why would he want to go into dancing when his mind is so genius? Wouldn't he want to use that?"

OK, now before we start getting ugly ugly comments on this blog post, I want you all to calm down. And yes, I told my husband to calm down, and good grief---our son is only 9! He is 9 years old, and if he wants to be a professional dancer, then let him have that dream! He is 9! And, how do you know he isn't going to get better at dance, or maybe his coordination will improve? He's only been dancing for a year. He's just started! You can't expect Billy Elliot in one year's time.

And, yes, he is super smart, but would going into a career in dance ruin that? Would it make his mind a waste? I don't believe that.

But here's to say---what happens to those kids that parents only let them focus on the academic and never allow them to experience the arts or music? If anything, I believe giving them a chance to develop their creativity through art, dance, or music gives them more and builds them up more as a person and allows them to be more developed and smart later.

Our oldest didn't just take up dance naturally like our second son and the piano, but that doesn't mean anything. Yes, some people have a natural gift for different things, and maybe dance isn't that, but he's doing well, and he enjoys it, and if he wants to work hard enough, then I believe he can do anything he wants to in life.

Maybe it won't pan out, and maybe he won't be that good to go professional, but as a parent, I'm going to be there to support him as long as he wants. But at the same time, we will also encourage his increasing knowledge and schooling in the academic fields as well. He can go either way. Who is to know what he'll want to do 10 years from now? I'm sure there are lots of parents out there who didn't freak out when their child told them they wanted to be "cowboys" or "race car drivers" when they grew up.

And just so you know, I like cowboys, and I think it would be awesome to be a race car driver too.

The Odd Child Out

Maybe not for all gifted kids, but for ours, it seems like they are always the odd one out. Most boys would rather be out playing sports or more boyish things, but our 2 boys would rather be inside reading or doing something pertaining to music.

You've read about our piano player. When he's not playing the piano, he wants to sing Karaoke, and he tells me he's interested in taking gymnastics.

Our oldest gave up on sports a long time ago. He would rather read read read, play on the computer, or his latest:

DANCE!

It doesn't matter that he's the only boy in the entire dance studio, he could care less! He wanted to dance, and so we let him. He is very open about his likes and dislikes, and he doesn't care what people think. He openly tells people he could care less about sports.

Maybe that's something we all need to learn from these smart kids---that it doesn't matter what other people think, or that you don't have to do the norm.

Day after day I try to get my oldest to match his clothes, or make him change his plaid shirt from his camo pants. He asks me why?? I don't have a decent answer for him. "They don't match! " I say.

"So?" He says. "Why does it matter?" Well, I guess it really doesn't matter. It's just what the world thinks is right or wrong, but really, why does it matter??

Maybe that's part of the brilliant mind--you don't conform to what others think or do. You can make your own decisions and your own discoveries.