Compiled by Shara Lawrence-Weiss

Not everyone likes the term "Gifted." Of course, not everyone likes the term "Special Needs" either. When all is said and done - these words are used to describe children who don't fall into the realm of 'most typical behaviors.' Do some kids learn more quickly than others? Yes. Do some kids pick up concepts more gradually than others? Yes. Are there struggles with each side? Yes.

A sense of arrogance is sometimes assumed by outsiders when they hear a parent use the word Gifted. Although this is understandable to a point, no other term exists at this time to describe children with above-average learning tendencies and emotional connectedness. We could potentially replace "Gifted" with something like "Above Average" or "Easily Bored" or "Needs a Challenge" or "Emotionally draining" but really - they all boil down to this:

Some children pick up data and information at lighting speed. They can analyze, pick apart concepts, challenge intelligent grown-ups using logic and facts and quite literally exhaust everyone around them.

For those kids (call them "Gifted" if you will), they need or want more challenging games, thought patterns and options. This brief list is being created for those children - with the understanding that every kid deserves to be given what they need - whatever end of the learning specrum they fall upon.

Online:

Mensa for Kids: Games, activities and puzzles

Mensa.org: Puzzles, math games, word games and more

DiscoveryEducation.com: Create your own puzzles

HomeschoolMath.net: Online math resources for gifted children

Brighthub.com: Online games for gifted children

Board games:

About.com: Top 10 games for gifted children

Hoagies': Board games

Research will tell us that playing games is a terrific way to stimulate the brain. Our home contains a large number of games and our eldest son (who tested out two grade levels ahead on the state Gifted exam) has loved games...since birth. Until our third child came along we played games almost every night. With the toddlers around it's more difficult to keep track of small pieces and our game-playing has lessened, much to my sadness. I intend to return to our game-playing ways very soon.

Here are some of our family favorites:

• Whoonu (Cranium - our son's favorite game. He loves thinking that he knows everything about me.)
• Monopoly (we have two versions - one Star Wars)
• Yahtzee (an oldie but goodie)
• Liebrary (great for literary lovers)
• Sorry (works well to teach good sportsmanship)
• UNO (a classic, of course)
• Scrabble (our son likes to believe he can make up his own words - it's a running joke now)

By offering to play games with your Gifted child(ren), you'll be assisting with critical thinking skills, sportsmanship, bonding, strategy and more. Games are a worthwhile investment for everyone in the home. Both short-term and long-term.

ABOUT the Author:

Shara Lawrence-Weiss is the owner of Mommy Perks, Personal Child Stories, Early Childhood News and Resources and Kids Perks. She has a background in education, early childhood, nanny work, published freelance, marketing and special needs.