September 23, 2017
I never really engaged with The Big Bang Theory, so when I learned about a spin-off, I didn’t pay much attention initially—until I grasped the concept.
For those who may not be familiar, The Big Bang Theory showcases the lives of best friends and roommates Sheldon Cooper and Leonard Hofstadter, both physicists at Caltech, alongside their neighbor, Penny, a waitress and aspiring actress. The dynamic of nerds interacting with the attractive blonde leads to a plethora of comedic situations.
Over the past 11 seasons, a lot has unfolded regarding these characters, particularly Sheldon, whose backstory has piqued curiosity. Enter Young Sheldon. This show delves into the early years of Sheldon Cooper before he became the brilliant theoretical physicist that audiences adore. The series transports us to a time when Sheldon was merely 9 years old, about to embark on the monumental journey of high school. A child prodigy with a genius-level IQ, he resides in Southeast Texas with his average parents and two typical siblings. From what I gather, we can expect plenty of humor along the way.
When I first watched the trailer for Young Sheldon, I struggled to hold back tears. I know—this is meant to be a comedy! Yet, while it’s designed to make viewers laugh (and occasionally shed a tear), I found myself overwhelmed with emotion. It struck a chord with me.
I have a little boy who resembles Sheldon in many ways. He’s 6, not 9, and thankfully not entering high school just yet. Although his IQ may not match Sheldon’s, they share several similarities.
My son doesn’t play with trains or trucks like other kids; he only does so if there’s a scientific angle involved, much like Sheldon. He has his own quirks that can drive me up the wall (similar to Sheldon’s germaphobia with his dad). He remains blissfully unaware that his intelligence might make him a target for others’ cruelty or leave him feeling isolated and misunderstood.
(Cue the tears.)
As I watched Mary Cooper pray over her son before his first day of high school, I lost it. That moment encapsulates the heartbreaking challenges faced by mothers like Mary (and myself). When we choose to nurture our children’s unique interests and abilities, we often place them in settings that may not be suitable for their age. Conversely, if we don’t encourage their intellectual pursuits, we risk stifling their passions and telling them that their very essence is “wrong.” So we push ahead, striving to make the best decisions, and find ourselves driving a 9-year-old to his first day of ninth grade, praying he won’t be stuffed into a gym bag.
This is why I hope people will tune in to Young Sheldon, and why I want the show to fulfill its promise—not only to entertain but to shed light on the lives of children like mine.
Mary, an ordinary woman, is a loving mother and devoted churchgoer, raising three children with the same love and care. Yet, one of them is just different. I doubt Mary is the type to have tried to “produce a genius.” She doesn’t seem like the kind of person who followed a specific diet to boost her child’s brain development or pushed her kids to achieve early academic success. Mary is simply a typical mom, doing her best with the children she has, trying to keep up with one who surpasses all expectations.
In many ways, I am Mary.
When she prays for her son, I resonate deeply, as I offered similar prayers for mine on his way to kindergarten. “Please, Lord, let his peers be kind. Don’t let him be bullied. Let him be accepted.”
When Sheldon makes inappropriate comments in class, I feel it in my bones. My son has done the same in his own unique way. When teachers gather to discuss him with the principal, I cringe, as this is my worst fear—a very real possibility for mothers like me with kids who are different.
The truth is, our educational system often struggles with these exceptional children. Not every teacher or principal is equipped to handle accelerated curricula or alternative teaching methods that engage these kids. I understand that funding for “gifted” programs is limited, and it’s challenging to provide resources without adequate financial support. Why invest in kids who are already doing well? What’s the worst that could happen to a child who outshines their peers academically?
Part of the issue lies in the term “gifted.” Every parent desires to believe their child is exceptional, right? It feels great when your child excels in class, wins competitions, or graduates at the top of their class. But that’s not the narrative for Sheldon Cooper or my son.
The top student in the class may earn straight A’s and graduate as valedictorian. But the most intelligent child in the district could either be a lonely 9-year-old in the ninth grade or a clinically depressed fourth grader.
People generally know how to support the best student in class, but they’re often at a loss when it comes to a child who is operating two or more grades ahead. No one, including their parents, knows how to handle a young child discussing complex topics like human reproduction casually because they’ve been reading anatomy books since age 4. Is it worth it to force him outside, ripping the organic chemistry book from his hands? Is that truly what’s best? Or is it more beneficial to accept him as he is and postpone outdoor activities for now?
That’s what I hope viewers take away from this show: the complexities of raising profoundly gifted children in a world that often fails to understand them.
Our society places tremendous value on academic success—perhaps too much. Many people struggle to comprehend that an advanced intellect can lead to profound loneliness, rather than admiration. We know how Sheldon Cooper’s story unfolds because Chuck Lorre and CBS have scripted his journey. He grows up, finds friends at Caltech, and builds a life surrounded by those who appreciate and love him for who he is. However, my son might not have that same luck.
Raising a child with an extraordinary mind—one in a million or even one in 10,000—makes finding a like-minded companion exceedingly rare. It’s challenging to encounter another parent with a child who shares similar struggles.
My heart aches for Mary Cooper, striving to raise her son without peers who understand him. It’s clear from the clips I’ve seen that the community’s lack of comprehension will likely feature prominently. After all, it’s amusing to see that church lady ask, “What’s wrong with him?”—unless you’re Sheldon or Mary Cooper, then it’s an isolating experience.
I eagerly await the premiere of Young Sheldon next week (Monday, September 25, 8:30/7:30c). The cast appears talented; Iain Armitage is delightful, and the storyline is sure to resonate with mothers like me. But my hope extends further. I want other parents—whose children may not share our challenges—to gain insight. I hope they recognize that exceptional academic achievement isn’t always a blessing. Those of us raising gifted children aren’t bragging; we’re simply trying to keep pace. I hope educators and policymakers will recognize the necessity for better resources for these children, ensuring their exceptional minds are nurtured rather than neglected.
Perhaps, if enough people watch this show and spread the word, my little boy will find those who truly understand him and never face the humiliation of being shoved into a gym bag.
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Summary:
In this heartfelt reflection, Emily Carter shares her deep connection to Young Sheldon, highlighting the struggles of raising a gifted child. Through the lens of Mary Cooper’s character, she discusses the challenges faced by parents of exceptional children, including social isolation and educational hurdles. Emily hopes that the show will foster understanding among viewers and lead to better support for gifted kids like her son.