Boy, the definition really calls it what it is! Rights - a moral or legal entitlement to have or obtain something or to act in a certain way. Where do my rights end and yours begin? That is the question, isn’t it? In a hugely entitled nation, the line of demarcation is blurred.
When I think of rights, one of the first things that comes to mind is the right to a free and public education. As I watched angry parents try to buy school supplies, I have to ask where that “free education” went. I was in the midst of them, buying supplies for our students. We’re a private school, but my parents and I have always felt that, if we require the items, we should furnish the items.
Children in Oklahoma have the right to learn the same information as children in Maine. Thus, we have Common Core. Now students across America can learn the same set of facts. Not necessarily what to do with those facts…but at least everyone (in public schools) is in the same boat!
Gifted kids are incredibly aware of their rights. If you’ve ever had an argument with a gifted teen, you know exactly what I mean. I believe this is because gifted kids are very self-reflective. While all kids are pretty egocentric, a gifted kid’s analysis is more introspective. He wants to know more about his purpose and nature. He wants to “fix” what is wrong. Usually “we” are what is wrong, but once he understands that not everything is so black-and-white, he realizes that there are rarely “right” and “wrong” sides – just differing opinions.
It is good for gifted kids to argue about rights. If they are allowed to explore ideas and solutions, they are more likely to choose a career in which they might fix some of the injustices out there. If not allowed to argue, many become jaded and fail to engage once out on their own, developing a fatalistic viewpoint and cynical outlook.
I have often told parents not to argue with their gifted child. I’m not changing my mind here. Do not argue with them about curfews or allowances or chores and such, or you may find yourself handing over the car keys to a prepubescent teen! Do, however, talk about politics and war and the rights of the people of the world. Encourage debate and strong opinions. When your child leaves high school and enters the real world, he/she will be so much more likely to engage in society rather than sit back and complain about how stupid everybody is. In turn, he/she will also be more willing to exercise one of the greatest rights we Americans have: the right to elect our leaders.
So, don’t be afraid of a kid who is painfully aware of his rights. Teach him to debate fairly and embrace the fact that your child will have a significant role in society.
- Michelle