https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 06 Apr 2026 02:16:58 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parent-friends-and-multiple-kids#post-2557836 Fri, 27 May 2016 05:35:07 +0000 ElbieKay 2557836@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Most of my parents' friends when I was growing up were connected through my younger sister's friends. I never really enjoyed family socializing because I almost never had a real friend to hang out with. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parent-friends-and-multiple-kids#post-2557604 Thu, 26 May 2016 18:58:26 +0000 Foodnerd81 2557604@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The baby is only 5 months now but so far my first by a long shot. When I had my first and knew I would be staying home, I made a huge effort to meet and become friends with people in the same situation. I made an amazing group of friends at a mommy and me type class when all our (first) babies were 6 weeks old and we have stayed friends- these babies turn 3 this summer. And I've met people at various activities that we do with the toddler. </p> <p>Second baby- no way could I go to a class like that for the baby- pay a babysitter? Bring my crazy toddler? So the baby just gets toted along to the big kid activities. And as luck would have it most of my mom friends from my first had second babies within a few months of each other so all the babies will have friends their own age too! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parent-friends-and-multiple-kids#post-2557537 Thu, 26 May 2016 17:46:55 +0000 autumnlove 2557537@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Definitely have more parent friends through my First child but I am starting to meet more friend's from LO 2's activities. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parent-friends-and-multiple-kids#post-2557530 Thu, 26 May 2016 17:43:34 +0000 birdofafeather 2557530@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Older because she needs activities and let's be honest, babies don't need anything, it's just for mom. So all my mom friends are people I knew before with kids, who now have kids the same as my oldest and most of them also have another kiddo around the age of the baby. I'm sure that will ebb and flow when they get in school! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parent-friends-and-multiple-kids#post-2557392 Thu, 26 May 2016 15:46:31 +0000 shabang 2557392@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Truth Bombs: Aw, that's great! I would love a kick ass group of parent friends. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parent-friends-and-multiple-kids#post-2557359 Thu, 26 May 2016 15:17:43 +0000 Mommy Finger 2557359@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Shannon: I see what you're saying. I really think it all depends. To give you an example from my mom, I'm the 3rd of 4 kids and I think my mom has made various friends though all of her kids. In fact, I think her closest friends might be those she met when my little brother was growing up and going through sports. So it depends on who you click with. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parent-friends-and-multiple-kids#post-2557309 Thu, 26 May 2016 14:38:20 +0000 skipra 2557309@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Mostly oldest although some have kids in between my kids' ages. And most actually have 2 kids as well. We have a playgroup for my younger son too and I feel like I just haven't connected as much with those moms, especially the ones who just have one kid the same age as my younger boy. Makes me wonder what will happen for my third...will we not really have any close friends? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parent-friends-and-multiple-kids#post-2557294 Thu, 26 May 2016 14:26:41 +0000 sunny 2557294@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have made a few new friends since having my second LO but I find that I have a lot less in common with them since most are FTMs and I am not. I did recently meet a mom who has an older child around the same age as LO1 and we we hit it off. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parent-friends-and-multiple-kids#post-2557287 Thu, 26 May 2016 14:20:44 +0000 Truth Bombs 2557287@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have an amazing friend group from our daycare. Our kids are all 3.5 now and have been together since they were babies. We hang out together all the time. Tomorrow actually day care is closed for teacher training and we are all getting together in the afternoon for the kids to play and the mommies to drink wine. So, I haven't really made friends with the parents of my younger LO, just because I already have such a kick ass group of parent friends. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parent-friends-and-multiple-kids#post-2557282 Thu, 26 May 2016 14:17:32 +0000 shabang 2557282@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MUI831: Makes sense. Mine are still young, and I keep hearing when we get involved in sports and activities, that leads to friendships. But I was just wondering if it's more with the older child's friends because they get to that stage sooner and then there's no time for anything else. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parent-friends-and-multiple-kids#post-2557130 Thu, 26 May 2016 12:54:35 +0000 Mommy Finger 2557130@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd say oldest for now since I have a preschooler so I've become friends with the parents of his friends when we do playdates. The baby is too young for me to start meeting people through him. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/parent-friends-and-multiple-kids#post-2556883 Thu, 26 May 2016 10:03:18 +0000 shabang 2556883@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you're friends with parents of your child's classmates and you have more than one child, do they tend to be more the parents of your oldest child or your youngest? Or is there another variable like number of kids? I've noticed since we had a second that I seem to have more in common with the parents of my first child than the first time parents of my second. Maybe because we were all first time parents together and had lots of kid-focused questions/discussions, but this time around my attitude is more "hey, whatever works..." What's been your experience? Is it a mix? Does it change with time? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-your-child-is-gifted/page/2#post-1429135 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 13:03:44 +0000 mrsjyw 1429135@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Nope.</p> <p>I think he's bright and smart and clever.<br /> I don't think he's gifted. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-your-child-is-gifted/page/2#post-1429129 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 13:02:29 +0000 tlynne 1429129@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It really depends on what your definition of "gifted" is. I am a specialist in gifted/talented education. My 2 yr old son is extremely bright; he might very well be gifted, but maybe not. Either way, as long as his cognitive needs are being met, it really doesn't matter...at this age it's just a label. If you want to support an advanced child, or want activities that challenge ANY toddler/preschooler try looking into Montessori or Waldorf-inspired materials. They are engaging, enriching, and genuinely appealing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-your-child-is-gifted/page/2#post-1429036 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 12:35:53 +0000 Purpledaisy 1429036@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I love her buutttttt no. :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-your-child-is-gifted/page/2#post-1428990 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 12:23:51 +0000 bpcmarj 1428990@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think she is very smart, but I have never thought of having her tested. We will see when she gets older, but for now, ahe is just advamced in language and it is what it is. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-your-child-is-gifted/page/2#post-1428958 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 12:12:57 +0000 lovehoneybee 1428958@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't think so. At 18 months he knows most of his letters (can verbally and physically identify them). His receptive language is fantastic, so ditto to @cascademom: on waiting on a language explosion. Maybe I'll think he's gifted if he suddenly starts solving fraction equations at 3 or something ;) </p> <p>But otherwise, no, I don't think he's gifted. That said, I was in a GT program when I was in elementary school, which ultimately funneled into AP classes in HS. I left the program when we moved to a different state (and enrolled in Honors classes instead of AP), but I have great memories of the GT program in elementary school. It gave me the challenge that I wasn't getting from my normal classes (and we did really fun stuff like spend the night at a state aquarium or build a classroom sized Egyptian tomb). If I feel that E isn't being challenged I would have him tested, but probably not because I thought he was actually gifted, but that because, like me, he might benefit from the extra stimulation. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-your-child-is-gifted#post-1428941 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 12:06:05 +0000 looch 1428941@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Heck yes, my son is brilliant! He counts in three languages and understands the abstract component of numbers ( what two represents, not just identifying the number).</p> <p>But then, he doesn't get what he wants and dissolves into a tantrum in the corner.</p> <p>In all seriousness, if you have a genius, you know. And I know my son is smart, but not a prodigy of any sort. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-your-child-is-gifted#post-1428921 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 12:00:59 +0000 cascademom 1428921@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No, I don't think so. He seems on track for his milestones. He understands words and language, but is coy about talking at daycare. At home right now, he's just full of letters and sounds not necessarily a lot of words. I'm waiting on a huge language explosion for him. He knows the words, but won't say them. I keep working on it with him. He's smart, but I don't think gifted. I kind of roll my eyes at some couples we know who wave the gifted flag for their kid. I think they're special snowflakes raising a little special snowflake. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-your-child-is-gifted#post-1428518 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 09:21:17 +0000 Mae 1428518@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My kid kicks in fibonnacci sequences so….. lol</p> <p>Honestly I don't know if we'll have her tested if it turns out that we think she's advanced or whatever. I don't really understand the distinction between high achieving/gifted people? Also I don't know if it matters if she is. </p> <p>I was… whatever. I was doing multiplication and division at 4 years old. It was pretty clear initially that I was more advanced than anyone else in my classes without putting in any effort. They tried giving me extra work in 1st-2nd but that wasn't enough and I was bored so then they skipped me into 4th. My mom wouldn't let them test me for the gifted program for 4th grade because she thought I'd already be the weirdo who skipped a grade I didn't also need to be one of the nerdy gifted kids. But then it was still clear I was bored so they started bussing me to the high school for math when I was in 5th grade. And things basically went on like that-- it would be pretty clear what I needed even though there was no testing and the school/my parents found ways to challenge me. </p> <p>But the thing is-- I still don't know that any of it mattered? I guess it sort of kept me out of trouble because I didn't goof off as much since I wasn't quite so bored, but I was still a total slacker and it just wasn't my personality to like school or put in any effort. And even though things come easily to me academically I don't enjoy it or consider myself an academic so when I went to college I did not pursue math like my parents/teachers begged me to and instead did a degree in sociology and now I have a perfectly uninteresting and not particularly impressive job because being "smart" doesn't matter to me. </p> <p>I guess my point is…. just because your kid IS smart or gifted or whatever doesn't' mean that using those talents is going to make them happy. Or that they should necessarily have some big impressive career some day. I always sort of resented that everyone thought I HAD to be something so impressive because I was smart, whereas I sort of just want normal stuff… house, family, career in art. I hope that I'll challenge my kid in whatever way she needs to be challenged but even if she IS gifted I hope I won't push her into thinking she has to be some traditionally "impressive/successful" person just because she COULD be if that doesn't make her happy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-your-child-is-gifted#post-1428507 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 09:17:36 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1428507@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I will probably do what my parents did which was test before going into Jr. high. In Jr. High our classes were picked based on our "gifted" status so we got the honors classes and got put on a more advanced course (geared toward college etc). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-your-child-is-gifted#post-1428498 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 09:15:24 +0000 yoursilverlining 1428498@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My daughter is verbally advanced, and I am truly amazed by the amount of imagination and empathy she shows at only 20 months. She seems compassionate and intellectually curious beyond her age – but truly gifted? Far too early to tell; and likely no. </p> <p>We definitely have educational expectations for her, and will do everything to foster a love of learning and love of education - - which doesn’t necessarily correlate to having her tests into G&amp;T or pushing to skip grades as I think too much pushing can turn learning into a chore. Although, I also would be interested in her taking tests if they could really benefit her or help her get ahead. We'll try to walk the fine line between making sure she is sufficiently challenged academically and being a "tiger mom" :silly: </p> <p>So, I don’t know what we’ll do yet! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-your-child-is-gifted#post-1428438 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 08:31:20 +0000 loveisstrange 1428438@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Way too early to tell but I will get her tested once it comes to that point. I was in G&amp;T programs from elementary school (2nd grade) on and I think that they helped my education immensely. I was absolutely one of those smart kids who acted out because I was bored and not being challenged academically. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-your-child-is-gifted#post-1428434 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 08:26:58 +0000 regberadaisy 1428434@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Silva: I totally agree. There are a lot of really really smart kids and I think that accounts for 98% of kids in G&amp;T programs. Are they truly "gifted"? Doubtful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-your-child-is-gifted#post-1428400 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 07:55:26 +0000 Silva 1428400@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So my understanding is that meeting milestones early has no significant correlation with higher IQ, with the exception of early verbal development. But even early verbal development + higher IQ tends to even out by the time the person is in early adulthood (like college aged). If a person is significantly delayed in multiple milestone areas that can be indicative of a lower IQ, but the opposite is not true. (this is based on very basic, simple google research- so someone who knows differently feel free to correct me).</p> <p>I think truly "gifted" people, in the genius sense of the word, are few and far between. My husband and a good friend from college both quality for Mensa, and it is clear that their brains work differently than mine. Its pretty remarkable at times to "watch" them think. I'm a pretty smart, well educated person but I'm not a genius (or even close).</p> <p>I have absolutely no idea if my daughter will be "gifted" or not in the "genius" sense of the word. I know that she has the privilege of being born into a family where everyone has gone to a top tier college (and most people have a masters or beyond), a family where we read to her and talk to her a lot, and a family where we encourage and expect excellence in education. I have no idea what her "natural" abilities are, but by nurture I anticipate she will at least do reasonably well in school.<br /> I would only push for testing if I felt she wasn't being supported or challenged in her schooling, and I wasn't able to get her needs met through other avenues (meeting with teachers, additional tutoring, etc.). I don't want her to have to take extra tests, and I don't want her to be labeled in anyway. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-your-child-is-gifted#post-1428351 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 03:36:12 +0000 SugarplumsMom 1428351@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Is it crazy that my first thought was yes? She's only 19 months and isn't talking much, but I think she's gifted at something. She has an uncanny ability to kick DH's face while turning around and having her little butt in mine, for instance! Hehe!</p> <p>If she was truly "gifted" I don't believe in tests and advanced programs until she's a LOT older, anyway. Children's minds are supposed to be advance in different paces. A "genius" 2 yr old's mind may not continue to learn at that pace at age 8. Their little brains are simply immature. I think the experts say it's closer to when kids' reach 3rd grade that the tests are more reliable. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-your-child-is-gifted#post-1428340 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 02:42:37 +0000 anonysquire 1428340@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Any kids that come from my husband and I will have atleast half a case of the donkey brains. So no. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-your-child-is-gifted#post-1428294 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 01:03:39 +0000 StbHisMrs 1428294@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My almost 12 year old is an extremely advanced reader and has been since he was 5. It can be a blessing and a curse, he attends a charter school which does not offer TAG , thankfully. When he was going to public school he was in TAG and didn't care for it. He's average in math, history, and science, he's a talented writer as well.</p> <p>My 2.5 year old can repeat the alphabet and count to 10 by repeating after you ;) She's pretty gifted in the shrieking and tantrum department! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-your-child-is-gifted#post-1428292 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 01:01:48 +0000 HLK208 1428292@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No, but both are very intelligent and interested in learning! I'm always blown away by the stuff that DS remembers. My family thinks he's gifted but I think I'm more critical than they are. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/do-you-think-your-child-is-gifted#post-1428261 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 00:18:49 +0000 sunny 1428261@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sandy: C has always impressed me with how much she knows! My LO is now 18 months and can't do any of that yet. </p>