The Road Less Traveled

Anxiety. Depression. OCD. Mental health diagnoses have skyrocketed over the past few decades, especially in children and young adults. Kids who can't cope with reality are becoming the norm rather than the exception. Most parents passively accept that their children were "born anxious" and there's nothing they can do about it. But is this really true? In the 1990s, doctors began telling parents not to give peanuts to young children, out of fear that the children would have allergic reactions. At the time, doctors and parents assumed that avoiding peanuts would make children healthier and less prone to allergies. However, the opposite was true. When children were not exposed to peanuts early in life, they were MORE likely to develop a peanut allergy. It turns out that our immune systems are wired to fight off danger. When we don't get enough exposure to potential "threats" early in life, our immune systems start seeing danger where there isn't

A bright student... • Follows directions; copies and memorizes well • Prefers logical, step-by-step explanations • Is mature for his/her age • Performs at the top of the group • Does very well in a traditional classroom environment • Usually fits in well with peers • Tends to be satisfied with his/her performance A gifted learner... • Is independent and self-directed; creates new ideas and techniques • Understands things intuitively; often makes mental “leaps” • Is asynchronous; can be highly sensitive and intense • Is beyond the group • May struggle in a traditional classroom environment • May have trouble fitting in with peers • Can be highly self-critical The main difference between bright and gifted children is that gifted children are  more . More intuitive, more sensitive, more intense, more out-of-sync. In this case, "more" does not always mean "better." Gifted learners often struggle to find acceptance within their schools, their communities,

What do you think of when you hear the word "smart"? A little kid who reads thick novels while her classmates are working on their ABC's? A high school student who never studies, yet somehow makes 100's on every math test? A scientist/professor/computer programmer with two Ph.D's hanging on the wall? Out of all the personality styles , Greens most closely fit the stereotype of "smart people." Greens tend to have lots of strategic smarts, also known as analytical skills. They're good at solving problems and evaluating things logically. Greens pride themselves on their efficiency, knowledge, and innovation. These skills are often measured on IQ tests, giving Greens an advantage. But are Greens really smarter than the rest of us? Not necessarily. The truth is that there are many different ways to be smart. While "book smarts" are important, they don't show the whole picture. For example, Gold personalities tend to have strong org

#1: "You should be making all A's." Yes, some gifted children are capable of making straight A's—especially if they're gifted in math, science, or English. However, not all gifts are academic. Plus, gifted kids can also have learning and attention issues. These kids are called "twice-exceptional." #2: "You don't need help. Just figure it out on your own." Shaming gifted kids when they ask for help is not productive. It teaches them that asking for help is a sign of weakness. It also teaches them that if they need help, they must not be smart or capable. Both of these lessons can be harmful and are difficult to unlearn. Even as an adult, I have trouble asking for help because I was taught to be independent and pick myself up by my own boot straps.  #3: "You're overreacting." Gifted kids may respond to things in unexpected ways. That's because they often notice things that others don't. As a result, it

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." —1 Peter 3:3-4 This Bible verse is often used to silence women and shame them for being assertive or outspoken. However, in context, having a quiet and gentle spirit isn't just for women—and it doesn't mean you have to be a doormat.  In a Biblical sense, "quiet" does not mean timid. It means you have a sense of confidence that comes from within. It doesn't mean that you can't set boundaries or stand up for what's right. You don't literally have to be silent or passive. It means that you use your words and actions in a way that glorifies God rather than glorifying yourself. The idea of "quietness" is contrasted with focusing on one's outward appearance. Be

This is it, I thought as I reached for the book. Girl Defined. This is what I've been looking for. I was a young teenager, I had low self-esteem, and I was longing for a sense of purpose. Maybe this book would show me what my purpose was as a girl. Maybe it would help me fix my messed-up life. Or maybe not. Kristen Clark and Bethany Beal's bad theology and rigid gender roles came packaged in a pretty, pink floral design. Like many teenage girls, I fell for it hook, line, and sinker. I was so happy to finally feel like my life had a purpose—even if that purpose was to bear children and become a housewife. I'd never really felt special before, but reading GirlDefined books and articles made me feel like I was unique and different from the other girls my age. I wanted to rebel, so I rebelled against society's expectations of me. Instead of focusing on my education, I focused on homemaking skills. Rather than wearing shorts and tank tops, I wore long skirts and pl