I recently wrote a note to a student telling her how much I admired her efforts. She told me it was a little sappy.
I admit it, I am sappy. I am a happy, glass-half-full, in-love–with-the-world kind of person. Which is probably the best kind of person to work with 2e children, since they call it like they see it.
I know plenty of people who might have been hurt by such a comment, but I was thrilled. It represents a level of trust. We have a relationship that allows her to feel she can be authentic.
You have to have a pretty thick skin to get along with Twice-exceptional (2e) children. They have an uncanny skill for finding your insecurities. They will expose your underbelly before you even knew you were letting it hang out. You definitely have to be the grown up.