These days, labelling kids as “gifted” isn’t done as widely (or at least openly) in schools.
The focus has shifted more toward helping those who are struggling, which is great, but back in the day, kids who were seen as particularly smart were often given extra attention. If you were one of those kids, there are probably a few things you remember pretty clearly.
1. The moment you realised you think differently
A lot of gifted kids have a specific moment when they notice they don’t think quite like everyone else. Maybe it was during a class discussion or while solving a problem faster than others, but suddenly, it hits—you process things differently. It’s usually a mix of feeling proud but also a little isolated, realising you’re not exactly on the same wavelength as your peers.
2. The first time you were really challenged at school
Source: Unsplash For a lot of kids who breeze through school, there’s that one moment when they hit something tough for the first time—maybe an advanced class or a super challenging project. It’s both frustrating and exciting at the same time. But in the end, it teaches you that learning can actually be hard work, and that’s not a bad thing. It’s one of those experiences that can totally change how you see effort and achievement.
3. Feeling out of place with kids your own age
A lot of gifted kids remember feeling a little awkward around their peers. The conversations or activities just didn’t line up with their interests, and it could feel lonely. You might have started looking for friends outside your usual age group, just to connect with people who “got” you. It’s something that shapes how you approach friendships for years to come.
4. The pressure of high expectations
Source: Unsplash Being labelled as “gifted” can come with a lot of pressure—whether it’s from parents, teachers, or even yourself. There’s always this feeling that you have to get top grades or excel in everything. It’s motivating at times, but it can also be a huge source of stress and anxiety. Managing those expectations is a tough balancing act.
5. Finding a true intellectual peer
Source: Unsplash When you finally meet someone who thinks like you or can keep up with your ideas, it feels like a relief. Whether it’s a friend, teacher, or even an adult, finding someone who “gets” you is huge. It’s a connection that often validates everything you’ve been feeling and opens up more room for growth.
6. The frustration of explaining your thought process
Gifted kids often jump to conclusions quickly, and having to explain every step to other people can get frustrating. In group projects or classroom settings, this can feel like a huge barrier. But it also teaches a valuable lesson: the importance of clear communication and patience. These are skills you carry with you forever.
7. The joy of deep diving into a new interest
There’s nothing quite like finding a new topic that completely consumes you. Whether it’s history, science, or a random hobby, many gifted kids remember getting lost in research or learning everything they could about a new passion. It’s a love for deep, self-directed learning that sticks with you for life.
8. The struggle between fitting in and standing out
Gifted kids often feel torn between wanting to blend in and their natural drive to excel. You might have found yourself holding back in class or avoiding advanced programs just to fit in socially. It’s a conflict that makes you reflect on who you are and how to balance your need for acceptance with your ambition.
9. Meeting an intellectual role model for the first time
Source: UnsplashUnsplash
At some point, gifted kids realise that being smart isn’t everything—emotional intelligence is just as important. Maybe it came after a social slip-up or a conflict with a friend, but understanding that empathy and social skills are just as crucial for success is a big life lesson.
11. The excitement of skipping a year or entering a gifted program
Source: Unsplash For many gifted kids, getting the opportunity to move ahead in school or join an advanced program is a mix of thrill and nerves. It feels validating, but also comes with social adjustments. It’s a big shift that marks a turning point in their academic journey.
12. Struggling with perfectionism
Many gifted kids remember the constant battle with perfectionism—whether it was obsessing over assignments or avoiding things they weren’t sure they’d be great at. It’s a mindset that can cause a lot of stress, but it also teaches valuable lessons about self-compassion and embracing effort over perfection.
13. That first taste of failure
After cruising through early school years, many gifted kids vividly remember their first real failure—whether it was a bad grade or losing at something they’d expected to win. It’s a humbling moment that teaches resilience and the importance of practice, and it often reshapes how they approach challenges.
14. The satisfaction of teaching other people
Many gifted kids enjoy helping people understand tricky concepts. Whether it’s tutoring classmates or explaining something to friends, there’s a unique satisfaction in being able to share what you know. It’s an experience that often sparks a lifelong love of teaching or mentoring.
15. Realising that your intelligence is just part of who you are
As time goes on, many gifted individuals realise that being “smart” is just one aspect of their identity. Maybe they develop new interests or find strengths in areas outside of academics. That realisation can be freeing, helping them see themselves as more than just a label and encouraging a more balanced sense of self.
