Is your child struggling to express their thoughts in writing? Many bright and gifted kids find writing to be a frustrating and stressful task, often leading to procrastination, shutdowns, or feelings of inadequacy. But don’t worry—Dr. Susan Baum, co-author of To Be Gifted & Learning Disabled, shares expert strategies to help kids communicate their ideas and build positive experiences around writing.

Why Writing Can Be Challenging for Bright Kids

Writing can be a particularly difficult task for bright children, especially those who are asynchronous (their cognitive abilities are more advanced than their motor skills). Forcing them to write by hand can actually exacerbate the issue. If your child struggles with handwriting or has motor delays, forcing them to push through writing can cause stress and frustration, preventing them from expressing their brilliant ideas.

Instead of focusing solely on handwriting, Dr. Baum recommends using a variety of tools to help children express themselves, such as:

  • Voice-to-text programs

  • Technology and apps

  • Dictating ideas

These methods encourage creativity and communication without the pressure of handwriting, leading to more positive experienceswith writing. This way, children can focus on communicating their thoughtsrather than being bogged down by the mechanics of handwriting.

Building Positive Experiences Around Writing

Dr. Baum emphasizes that authoring(the act of creating content, not just writing) is what should be celebrated. By focusing on how children can communicate their ideas—through talking, dictating, or using technology—you can help them develop a love for expression and positive experienceswith writing.

For younger children, start with simple activities like:

  • Telling a story aloud

  • Creating a PowerPoint or digital story

  • Making characters talk in an app

This approach can make authoring funand build confidence without overwhelming them with traditional writing tasks.

Let Technology Empower Your Child

Dr. Baum explains that handwriting isn’t as criticalas we often think. For many adults, handwriting isn’t a central mode of communication anymore—technology has taken over! Dr. Baum suggests that, while handwriting may improve as children age, it’s not the key focus. Instead, fostering their ability to think and communicate their ideasis the priority.

Dr. Baum’s key strategies:

  • Don’t force handwriting—use technology for expression.

  • Encourage verbal expression—have children dictate their thoughts first.

  • Celebrate “authoring”through digital means and creative projects.

By shifting the focus from handwriting to communication, your child will feel empowered to share their ideas, leading to less stress and more joy in learning and writing.

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