A Day in Our Life

 

Our lives are adjusted in many tiny ways because of who my son is. Instead of me reading a book to him, he reads a book to his little brother. Instead of going downstairs to watch cartoons before breakfast, he wants to get a head start on his schoolwork. Even the simple things—like spelling out a word with another adult—don’t quite work, because he already knows what we’re saying. Raising a child genius means our daily rhythm looks very different from most families. He’s harder to keep occupied, and “normal” activities like dinosaurs and superheroes don’t always hold his attention for long. They’re fun, but his mind is usually looking for something more.

Mornings Full of Curiosity

Our mornings usually start with breakfast and then right into homeschooling. During a homeschool day, he begins with Acellus and IXL on his tablet, followed by workbooks. It may sound like a lot, but when he’s focused, he can finish this part of school in just two or three hours. He’s eager to jump into learning—not just structured lessons but also educational programs he enjoys, like Prodigy Math & English and Adventure Academy, which feel more like games than school.

Of course, there are quirks that make mornings uniquely ours. He invents superhero games to play with his little brother and is currently obsessed with multiplication. If I tell him supper is in an hour, he’ll quickly break it down into four sets of 15 minutes. To keep mornings balanced, I make sure he has a mix of independent work and lessons he needs help with. That way, if he’s ready to dive in before I’ve even had coffee, he still has something meaningful to work on.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

His learning doesn’t stop once the morning lessons are over. We use a combination of computer programs, videos, workbooks, and hands-on materials to keep his mind engaged. Some of his favorite activities include coding his robot, building intricate Lego creations, and conducting science experiments—the messier and more explosive, the better. (Yes, we’ve done the classic baking soda and vinegar volcano more times than I can count!)

Because he’s only six, I try to break his activities into short, 20–30 minute sets to prevent overwhelm. That way, his curiosity is nurtured without turning into exhaustion. One of my favorite moments was when he taught himself multiplication. I hadn’t introduced it yet, but suddenly he was dancing around the house with excitement. It took a while to calm him down, but that pure joy of discovery is what makes every day worth it.

Playtime with a Twist

When it comes to play, he is both imaginative and social. He and his little brother sometimes bicker, but if I separate them, he insists they should be together and promises they’ll play nicely. He is compassionate with kids of all ages, whether he knows them or not, and is always excited to join in.

Playtime in our house often looks like elaborate pretend games, superhero adventures, or fort-building projects. But his advanced curiosity means I sometimes have to remind him that not everyone wants to dive into deep science discussions. Just because another child likes space doesn’t mean they’re ready to learn about nuclear fusion. Helping him balance his genius-level curiosity with just being a kid is an ongoing challenge, but one I take seriously.

Evenings and Family Connection

Evenings begin with supper around 5:30, followed by baths, pajamas, and teeth brushing. While I read his little brother a bedtime story, he often relaxes downstairs with Grandma. After that, he and I share some quiet time together—watching an episode of a non-educational show or half an hour of a lighthearted movie. This “non-learning” time is essential for helping his busy brain settle down.

We’ve also created new traditions together. Since he sees me writing often, he’s started working on his own book. It’s become part of our routine once his schoolwork is done, and it’s something we both look forward to. I’ve also introduced meditation and breathing exercises, which help him wind down after a full day. His thoughtfulness shows even in small things—like deciding to clean pencil marks off the walls before starting play—because, in his words, “that helps the family.” His intelligence comes with a surprising sense of responsibility for such a young age.

Reflections on Our Daily Rhythm

Raising a genius means constantly adjusting what I expect from our days. He’s always surprising me with new skills or bits of knowledge, and sometimes I don’t even know where he picked them up. I feel immense pride, but I also remind him often that mistakes are part of learning. I see it as my responsibility to make sure his life stays balanced—not just endless schoolwork, but plenty of time for fun and relaxation too.

At the end of the day, I try not to let the word “genius” overwhelm me. Instead, I focus on the little moments—like him eagerly reading to his little brother. Those everyday acts of love and curiosity are what truly make our life extraordinary.