#1 Fan
December 7, 2011 
8 Comments
As a parent, you have to be your child’s #1 fan. This isn’t just for sports, but also for academics. You have to believe in your child’s abilities because you know him/her better than anyone else. And because of that, you shouldn’t allow anyone else to set the standards for them. 
This was a lesson that we learned early. Our older son was born 11 days after the state’s requirements for him to start kindergarten. Although this was a law that was set forth, we knew that he was capable of doing the work and didn’t want him to be an entire year behind in school because of 11 days. We decided to petition the school district by sending them a letter introducing them to our son and his abilities. We were very grateful that the school district, not only read the letter, but responded by allowing him to come to the offices to be tested. The result of that test was him being allowed to start that school year. The school district thanked us for reaching out to them and pushing for our child’s education. We were told that they had never received a request like ours and that many parents just seem to fall in line with the “rules”. That didn’t make sense to us. We knew what he was capable of and was ready to fight so that his potential wasn’t stifled.
Prior to their school years, we always made sure to buy “up” when it came to their toys. If they were 6 months old, we would buy toys that were meant for 12 month old babies. We’ve never put our children into any mold that was set forth by anyone because we respect that children can do anything that is presented to them. We knew that they could grasp any concept if we took the time to explain it and allowed them time to understand it. Sometimes people really underestimate how amazing their children are so they hold them back. Not us. We encourage it.
As parents of two “gifted” children, we are asked frequently what we did to make them that “smart”. Our guidelines were simple, introduce the importance of reading at a very early age (we started reading to them in the womb and read to them every night after they were born) and don’t limit their abilities. As my husband wrote about in a previous blog, we believe in positive brainwashing. If you ask my children today what they can do, they will proudly answer, “ANYTHING!”
We cheer them on with everything they do. So much so that our friends laugh at us and call us cheesy. But that’s ok. It’s been beneficial to our boys. To show that we support them in everything, here are some of the things that we’ve done:
- Created a song to sing every time they used the pot when they were toilet training
- Clap and cheer when they cleaned their rooms
- Created family shirts to wear whenever either of them participated in a competition
The cheesy list can go on and on. It used to be a little embarrassing to do some of those things in front of others but all of that subsides when you see the happiness and pride in your child’s eyes. If they don’t know anything else, they know that their parents are their #1 Fans.
I LOVE this post!!! Khalil started school early too (despite objections from his own father) and now that he’s in advanced classes I DARE anyone to question my decision. I used to tell my sister all the time, “yes these children are learning things we didn’t at their age but they haven’t seen it before so THEY don’t know it’s hard.” Go Team Taylor!!!
Natale, you are so right! We put the fear in the children and tell them that things are hard. If we don’t say anything to deter them, they are going to keep trying. Way to with Khalil! I’m glad you didn’t listen to anyone but yourself and what you know about your child. Thumbs up to you!
Really want to thank you for sharing this amazing post. One thing that this generation needs is confidence because, with that, there won’t be a thing that they won’t be able to do in this world. And if you your kids can reply “ANYTHING,” after being questioned on their capabilities, then more power to them. Only with that confidence will they shine as they do now, and continue to shine in the future. Proud of you man! Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much for the support.
You guys did a great job fighting for your son. I know a few of my friends who didn’t make the deadline, and their parents just lied about their birthday to get them in. I’m sure if they would’ve fought for it, it would’ve never been an issue, because we were all in gifted classes together. I plan to do the same for my kids when I have them.
Briana, I think lying is most people’s first thought because they feel as if they can’t trust the school districts. It’s sad to see the destruction of the relationship between the parents and schools. The level is mistrust is extremely high. Many parents don’t see that there needs to be a partnership. The schools aren’t as bad as they make them out to be. They are more than willing to work with parents. We just have to ask.
Great article, Krys! We are cheesy….but effective!
Yes, we are. Thanks! :~)