Return to Sender!

Giftedness is 24/7. It doesn’t happen only on a Tuesday. It doesn’t happen only when engaged on a project. It doesn’t happen only when the sun is shining and the birds are twittering. It’s part of Charlotte’s DNA.

For children like Charlotte, their giftedness may mean having antennae that pick up signals when someone is hurting. For them, it may mean constant struggle when injustice is perceived. It may mean becoming ‘stuck’ when a dilemma seems to have no solution. Sometimes these gifted children may think they are crazy, because no-one else is upset like them. If only they could find the on/off button. If only they could parcel up their giftedness and scrawl, ‘Return to sender’.

One of the ways adults can help these children is by encouraging them to be involved in making a difference in the world. Lachlan was awarded an official ‘Litter Champion’ certificate by Noosa Council because he was concerned about all the rubbish that littered his local park and bus stop. He wrote a letter directly to the Major and the council responded by installing a litter bin and awarding Lachlan. Did I mention? Lachlan was just five years old!

After being diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis at age 11 years, Caitlin adopted her motto: ‘passion before pain’. At 15 years old, she kitted up and braced herself ready for her tandem skydive to raise funds, so other children with juvenile arthritis could attend a camp designed especially for them. She wrote, “I really want to do something to inspire other people who live with painful conditions, whether they are young or old.”

By 13 years of age, Jasmine had run cake stalls, car washes and second-hand book sales to raise funds for eight philanthropic campaigns. She even donated 30cm of her own hair to make wigs for children with alopecia.

As a high school student, Samara raised AU$20,000 to build a library servicing 20 villages in Bali.

Emotionally gifted children can tackle big issues – the environment, pain, people in need and poverty-stricken communities. They can make a difference in the world, even from a young age.

KIDPRENEUR

When adults engage in adventurous endeavours in the commercial world, they are called entrepreneurs. When kids do amazing things, they are called kidpreneurs. Where do you start, if you want to make a difference in the world?

1. Check with your parents and start a conversation.

2. Check out your own interests and think up options for using these.

3. Talk about global citizenship and how we can help others.

4. Learn about money – how it is earned – how it can be used.

5. Check with your school to see if there is a program about business experience.

6. Be confident. Be creative. Be engaged!

References:

1. Sword, Lesley Kay. “Emotional Intensity in Gifted Children” cited 04/01/19. http://sengifted.org/emotional-intensity-in-gifted-children/

2. “Lachlan’s letter puts a lid on litter” https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Council/News-Centre/Lachlans-letter-puts-a-lid-on-litter May 2012. Cited 2018.

3. Groundsell, Lauren. “Caitlin Jumps Into Cause.” Caloundra Weekly. 9th Oct, 2014. p6.

4. Symons, Kate. “The Giving Games”. Brisbane’s Child Magazine. Nov, 2016. p8

5. McCarty-O’Kane, Roxanne. “Samara’s Beautiful Quest”. My Weekly Preview. Sunshine Coast. 16th Mar, 2018. p20.

Answers to Riddle: Charlotte’s white heart is missing on two illustrations in her book.

Answers to Story Reconstructed:

Lion may have discovered that, if she wanted to be “boss” of the game, it would work better if she had some empathy with others.

Charlotte would have been very happy for everyone, but especially for Chelsea. Then again, she may not have wrestled with finding a way to handle a situation where her sense of justice had been challenged.

Chelsea may have experienced a feeling of success as all the story characters worked together; but I suspect that she would have found other ways to role-play.