29.09.2025 Ifenna Ekezie 6535

Giftedness in children: recognizing, understanding, accompanying

Many parents ask themselves: Is my child gifted? How could I recognize this? And what does this mean for everyday life in the family, kindergarten or school? Some imagine gifted children as effortless high-flyers with top grades, while others see them as bored, underchallenged pupils who don't fulfill their potential. Their social relationships are also often viewed critically - do they connect easily or do they struggle? 

In this article, you will learn how to recognize giftedness, what challenges and opportunities it brings and how you can support your child in the best possible way.

An article by Rebecca Brielmaier, trained educator, pedagogue and specialist consultant in the area of parent & child at pme Familienservice. 

What does giftedness mean?

We talk about giftedness when children show clearly above-average abilities - be it in thinking, language, dealing with numbers or in other areas. Every child is different - and so giftedness can also look very different:  

It is important to note that giftedness cannot simply be "seen". It only becomes apparent when a child's performance and behavior are carefully observed and monitored. A professional assessment of giftedness can help parents to gain clarity and make their child's strengths visible.

How do children with giftedness behave? 

Parents often notice special talents in their child at an early age: 

All of these can be indications of giftedness in children, even if a child does not excel in all areas. Often, strengths only become apparent in certain situations or interests.  

Behaviors and patterns in children with giftedness 

Especially in toddlers and preschoolers, giftedness often manifests itself differently than many expect. Not every gifted child is reading at the age of four or doing difficult maths problems in their head. It is much more often thinking, questions or behavioral patterns that make parents suspicious.

Typical behaviors in children with giftedness are e.g:  

These behaviors are not a sign of a lack of intelligence, but often an expression of boredom and a lack of challenge.

 Emotional world in children with giftedness

In addition to thinking, the emotional world also plays a major role. Many gifted children experience their environment particularly intensely :

How can parents recognize giftedness? 9 Characteristics

These characteristics can appear in children with giftedness at any age, but often to varying degrees: 

Not every gifted child exhibits all the typical characteristics. At the same time, none of these signs alone mean that a child is gifted above average.

However, if there are several indications together, it may make sense to take a closer look - preferably in consultation with specialists or through professional diagnostics. 

The table shows an overview of the general characteristics of giftedness and their typical manifestations in toddlers, kindergarten children and schoolchildren:

What should parents do if they suspect that their child is gifted? 

If you suspect that your child may be gifted, it is particularly important to be sensitive. It pays to pay attention early on:

Contact points for parents and children with giftedness

Parents can turn to various agencies to get a comprehensive picture of their child and find suitable support: 

How can giftedness be identified in children?  

As a rule, giftedness is not determined purely by standardized intelligence tests. In addition to the test results of an intelligence test, experienced psychologists also take into account the preliminary discussion with the parents and the child's behavior during the tasks.

How does a test for giftedness in children work? 

An appointment to determine whether a child is gifted usually takes about three hours and consists of three parts:   

The test usually takes place without parents present , as children are then more concentrated and can work more easily. This is completely normal and helps things to run smoothly. 

It is important to note that every intelligence test only provides a snapshot of the current level of development . It therefore cannot definitively determine a child's intelligence or giftedness.  

How can parents support their child with giftedness? 

1. discover and promote potential

An intelligence score or giftedness test provides an initial indication of a child's special abilities. This potential needs a suitable environment in which it is recognized and encouraged - be it through special support programmes, creative leisure activities or the understanding and individual support of parents.

It is important that support covers all areas: Cognitive, emotional and social needs should be taken into account.

2. dealing with social and emotional needs 

Even if gifted children develop cognitively faster, they have similar emotional and social needs to their peers. A lack of support can lead to underchallenge, frustration and conspicuous behavior. 

3. dealing with perfectionism 

Parents should not only praise results, but also acknowledge commitment, creativity and perseverance. This strengthens self-esteem and confirms efforts, progress and social skills.

4. structure and everyday organization 

A clear but flexible structure in everyday life offers security and supports development. Gifted children need fixed times for learning and duties as well as space for creative development.

Conclusion: giftedness is part of the great diversity of neurodivergent developments. Every child has individual interests and challenges. With attentiveness, understanding and loving support, parents can promote special abilities and strengthen self-confidence so that the child can go their own way with joy, curiosity and inner strength. 

The pme parent counseling service 

Our parent counselors support parents in all matters from pregnancy to the child's adulthood.   

Personal and confidential: We are there for you online, by phone and on site. You can find more information on the pme parent counseling page. 

FAQ on giftedness in children

1 What does giftedness in children mean?

In children, giftedness refers to clearly above-average intellectual potential that manifests itself in various areas such as language, logical thinking or creativity. Giftedness is not simply visible, but is recognized through close observation and, if necessary, diagnostics.

2 How can I recognize whether my child is gifted?

Typical signs include

3. how do gifted children behave in everyday life?

Gifted children often show recurring patterns of behavior: impatience with routine tasks, daydreaming, refusing seemingly pointless tasks or lively creativity. Emotionally, they can react more intensely, quickly put themselves under pressure or feel misunderstood.

4 How is giftedness identified in children?

A professional diagnosis includes:
1. preliminary discussion with the parents
2. standardized intelligence tests (language comprehension, logical thinking, math)
3. debriefing of the results with explanation of support options
The test takes about 3 hours and usually takes place without parents. It provides a snapshot and is part of a holistic approach.

5 What should I do if I suspect giftedness?

Observe your child carefully and document any particular strengths or interests. Talk to specialists, educators or other parents and seek professional advice or diagnostics. Rely on sensitive support that responds to the child's needs.

6 How can parents support gifted children in the best possible way?

Promote cognitive, emotional and social skills in equal measure.
Support social integration and help to manage perfectionism in a healthy way.
Provide a clear but flexible daily structure with time for creativity. Encourage learning through enjoyment and individual interests rather than just performance.

7 What challenges can gifted children face?

Gifted children can feel underchallenged, which manifests itself in restlessness, frustration or conspicuous behavior. They are often very self-critical and emotionally sensitive, which requires attention and support.

8 Where can I find professional support and advice for giftedness?

Possible contact points are:

9 What does neurodivergent development mean in the context of giftedness?

Neurodivergence describes different forms of neurological development, including giftedness. Gifted children often process information differently and require individual support that takes their special cognitive and emotional needs into account.

10. can all children with giftedness easily find the best school or support?

No, giftedness is very individual and not every child's needs fit into the "traditional" school system. It is important to find individual support programs, creative leisure activities and understanding support that promote potential in the best possible way.