Helping Gifted Children Learn They Can Make a Difference

Many gifted children are exceptionally sensitive. They are sensitive to the way they are treated, but also to the way others are treated. Their heightened emotional sensitivity can lead to existential despression. They may become deeply concerned over life issues such as disease, death, and disasters. This deep concern can overwhelm them with feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.

Children who feel sad about the lives of others or about the condition of the environment can volunteer to help. Action is always better than inaction, even if the action is something small. These children need to see that even small actions can make a difference, and volunteering to help others is a good way for them to make that difference.

Some children may not believe it is possible for one person, especially a child, to make a difference in the world. The story of Jason Crowe can help them realize that even children can make a difference.

One Person Can Make a Difference

One young child who has made a difference in the world is Jason Crowe. When he was nine years old, his grandmother died. He was very close to her and became quite distraught. In her honor, he started a little neighborhood newsletter promoting world peace and donated the earnings to the American Cancer Society. That little newsletter grew and now has subscribers in at least 29 states and nineteen different countries.

When he was ten, Jason was touched by the story of Vedran Smailovic,the "Cellist of the Sarajevo". He thought a statue should be erected to honor Smailovic and, with the help of his parents, created a nonprofit organization called "The Cello Cries On" to raise money for this statue. Jason's story is an inspiration to all of us, but it can show children how the efforts of one person, even a ten-year-old, can have significant effects. Jason has won numerous awards, including the Culture of Peace Award, the Volvo for Life Award, the Hitachi Yashiyama Award, and the Global Youth Peace and Tolerance Award, for his work promoting peace and community service.

If a child thinks that what Jason did is impossible, they need to be reminded that he started with a little neighborhood newsletter. However, it is not essential that a child start a foundation. Some kids will contact Jason (The Cello Cries On, Inc./ P.O. Box 441 / Newburgh, IN 47629-0441) and ask to help. These kids will then do a fundraising project to raise money for the statue.

Volunteer Opportunities Exist for Children of All Ages

Children can find their own causes to volunteer for. Some kids will volunteer to be "Candy Stripers" at the local hospital. Other will volunteer for a community clean-up project or some environment restoration project. Even small children can get involved in helping ohers. When Hurricane Katrina hit the Mississippi Gulf Coast, small children across the country set up lemonade stands to raise money to send to those who lost their homes and possessions.

Even if children raise only ten dollars, putting that money in an envelope and sending it to people who need it will go a long way in helping a child understand that they can help, that conditions are never completely hopeless and that they are not helpless.

If you have a child who feels the suffering of others deeply encourage him or her to volunteer in some way to help. The "Make a Difference Day" website has information on how to get involved. It even has suggestions for volunteer activities, not just for individuals, but for entire families.