Having difficulty with dd1 acting "precocious" with lack of social skills

[ABitCrapper]

I'm not sure how to help her as I'm a bit crap socially as well!
I'm not sure whether she is actually "g&t", but I'm most worried about her precociousness. She's 7 and a verocious reader. Loves encyclopaedias and information books and retains the information remarkably well. As a result she often used very long words (often spoken phonetically so difficult to decipher sometimes) and asks really REALLY hard science or philosophical questions. ALL THE TIME it's exhausting, and I often need to research something before I can answer her! And it's very overwhelming to adults she meets. I just can't seem to stop her asking relentless questions without her getting upset.its difficult to explain but "precocious" is the best I can do. And it's really not something I've encouraged!

She must read 20-30 books a week. She's gone through all the Beast Quest, Rainbow Magic, children's classics and has just started on Terry Pratchett's discworld.

She has always struggled socially, but the gap seems to be widening between her and her peers. I've encouraged after school clubs, and invited friends round to tea, but I'm not sure how else how to help her - especially as shed often much rather be reading a book.

Does anyone have any insights or advice?

[JustRichmal]

Why not find things out together on Google?
Also, you have to pick and choose a bit with Discworld, as some, even in the later ones of the Tiffany series, are not suitable for younger children. I would at least skim read them first.

I would try asking her questions: What are her favourite books? Does she like school? If she asks about philosophy, ask what she thinks. Trying to get to see her perspective may help you to help her with social skills.

[NellyBarney]

Your dd sounds lovely! I wouldn't worry too much about her preferring books and researching her interests over more social activities. We hear a lot about the importance of social skills in life but there are equally lots of options for the true nerd to make it to the top! Is she happy in her own company, or do you think she withdraws because she feels excluded/unpopular/even bullied? If coming home to read a book or two and to go on google is a free choice, I personally would punch the air, as I have to coerce, cajole or bribe my dd6 to pick up a book for pleasure even though she can read better than many adults (especially aloud, in the way she can project emotion into her reading and nail humour).

[user789653241]

We used to look up things together when my ds asked questions, but now I just suggest my ds to look it up himself, or he does it anyway. Sometimes I find the extra info when I have time, and let him read it when he comes home from school. It's so easy these days, most things can be found on the internet.

My ds did struggle socially in ks1, but doing better in ks2 once he found friend who shared similar interests.