GT for the children

Today at lunch we were talking about various and sundry items of disinterest. I was basically saying whatever came to my head, per usual. At one point someone asked if I envisioned myself where I am today when I was 21ish.... Answer? "nope... didn't think I'd be alive..." and that's basically the truth.

I was on a collision course w/either death or prison and at that point I really didn't see a way past either one. It didn't matter how smart I was, I just couldn't seem to make choices that moved me in a better direction.

I think about my children and wonder what kinds of issues they will encounter as they grow up? Will Hannah have enough of a center to take care of herself as the guys sniff around and paw at her? Will Ben be able to contain his impatience with the world?

We recently found out that Ben has been admitted into the GT (Gifted/Talented) program at his school. Tina was ecstatic. I was ummm... I don't know what I was... I know this much... I was thinking more about Hannah and found myself second-guessing our decision not to have her screened for the program.

I called my mother and explained what I was thinking about to her and so she reminded me of the reasons Tina had wanted to wait with Hannah. She was basically thinking that Hannah would do better when she has a different teacher. She really doesn't like her current teach and Tina didn't want to load her down w/the stress of testing in such a situation.

Keep in mind we are talking about kindergarteners...

I guess my main fear is that one way or another Hannah will not be accepted into the program once we finally do test her. How might she feel about such a thing?

My sister was in a a GT program when we were kids. She always excelled in school. I never did. I don't remember ever thinking she was smarter than me. I've always known I was smart.

In the end, I turned into a dysfunctional alchoholic.

Apparently that happens to alot of smart people.