Child Genius

[Whizzz]

on now.......this merits a MN thread !

Lots of people mention the name Dante somewhat disparagingly. Dante isn't an odd name in other parts of the world, although it may sound pretentious to some English people. Dh is Latin American and we considered it.

I do worry about that boy though. I keep thinking about him and wishing he could be happier. I did think he and Adam were genuinely gifted.

I agree with what someone on here sid earlier. All the children were gifted except the weird family who were probably bright and coached to pass exams/tests. I think that if the children don't turn out the way the parents want them too we won't see them on the follow up programme.

I did wonder why the family of 4 would not let their children be tested. Perhaps the result would not have been too great?? Mum hinted they had done these tests before. If previous scores had been 170 then wouldn't she have the children retested on camera to 'show off'? So does that mean the results had not been that good in the past??

It seemed to me that the family of 4 was emotionally dysfunctional - there seemed to be no genuine, spontaneous warmth or love. It all seemed to hinge on results - if you achieve what we want you to we will be proud.
And the two tables of presents for passing the 11+, but no hugs, kisses, well done love, just two tables of presents... Seemed wrong to me somehow...

And another thing - (sorry, am on a roll now) DH and I just loved Aimee when she had finished her piano recital and disappeared backstage, calmy picked up her book and resumed reading, whilst the applause was still going on....
She seemed so matter of fact about it.

I really hope her sore wrist does not stop her playing for good.

Can't believe we have to wait to years...

{pg stumbles off trying to figure out how to meaningfully fill the next two years of her life....}

MrsMills, my 6 yo is a rabbit today! he varies it from being oinky (a pig) or a sheep, dog, cat or his fave a monkey!

Watched this programme and am deeply concerned about the kids, hope the children have happy futures!

I used to work in Oxford City Centre and saw many "down and outs" that were "exceptionally clever children" walking the streets with carrier bags on their feet, shuffling along and grunting. very sad!!!! I really hope Dante gets help in future!

What a fascinating programme! The Lincolnshire family were extremely freaky. Did anyone notice how the father looked as though he'd been labotomised (sp?) I thought the novelist boy was extremely annoying, but Dante was very witty and could grow up to be a great entertainer!

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yes poor wee girl withj obnoxious brother and raw meat to contend with

(cod, you been away?)

I caught the last half hour and wished I had seen it all. Really hope all the kids turn out OK although do fear for some of them. It made it clear how easy it is for families to become very insular and blinded to their abnormalities.

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Didn't anyone else pick up on the author boy saying "WE used butch cassidy etc for ideas" ie he wrote it with his mum, and that it was advertised as HIS WORK imho that is a con, I am not doubting his IQ or anything I just think it is wrong for the book to be said to be his not theirs.

Also said that they discussed ideas and what the next bit of the story was going to be etc

Tried watching this programme but couldn't bear it - have known too many people who were damaged by being labelled as gifted (though I see that in certain circumstances it is necessary to access certain things).

Would not mind my children being gifted chefs but I am most concerned that they should fulfil their potential as gifted plumbers, electricians and possibly dentists. Much more useful.

Watched this last night and am pmsl at some of the comments on here: "they stare at you because you are weirdy-mcweird, lipstick lady"

I found the programme quite sad TBH. Not one of those children seemed to have a normal childhood, full of fun and laughter. Dh has originally thought that, as gifted, maybe they just didn't need to be children and didn't want other children, etc. But in the end we both agreed that all of them seemed to want real childhood friends, even the odd family group. None, bar the little 3yo - but ill that change? - seemed happy and carefree, like children should be. I just find that so upsetting

They did say at the start that the linguist child (one who wrote book) was a co-writer, rather than a single author. That was clear from the outset to be fair.

it was slightly worrying that those 4 kids were all dressed as mini adults too

at least the other children actually LOOKED like children not like they were auditioning for some strange Adams Family type role

I thought the little chess lad (Peter?)seemed quite chirpy, at least he got to play footie with his Dad and Granddad!

Haven't got time to read the whole thread, but just clocked in to add my twopence worth. Watched this from 9.30 p.m. so it had been on about half an hour, but couldn't stomach it for long as I find children like them vile. They are so precocious.

The Chinese girl, when the narrator said 'she's their only child so they can devote all their time to her' Blah Blah. I commented to DH 'F**king bully for them, they should get in the real world.' Our eldest two were having a meltdown, DS1 over his spellings, and DD because she's having emotional problems at the moment. The contrast between the Chinese parents and us was vast.

And what the frig was going on with the 11 plus passing ceremony umpteen presents bollox family? That woman made me want to projectile vomit.

Yuk Yuk Yuk

Oh, and why was Chess Boy's Dad home ed-ing him when the Dad is clearly a numpty?

So agree with scummymummy, these children need more opportunities to be just children . at the father coming home from work and doing the maths coaching every night, whct do these people think is going to happen if they allow their children to learn at a more measured pace? They're not going to be any less bright if they're not pushed, but these children are in danger of having nervous breakdowns at some point.

The best bit for me (ie the sickest) was the mother of 4 in East Anglia whose dh was terrified of her, saying "My family has a duty to society to provide the doctors and philosophers of the future"

Bet the 2 girls get duffed up at the age of 16.

I think both parents were HE'ing the chess player; taking it in turns. Mum was studying a maths degree to be able to keep one step ahead. Not sure what dad did, but he was teaching a fair bit of science earlier in the programme. I don't think he could keep up with his son's maths though - hence the computer in the end.

Hula I must have missed that coment about co author sorry but the book was written by him on the cover wasn't it?

Its just the concept of the children being projects that I find so scary

The name of the author on the book was not his - it was written under an anonymous name.