Claudia Zanella on Raising Daughter Penelope, Who Has a Very High IQ

Actress Claudia Zanella has offered a glimpse into her life raising her 10-year-aged daughter, Penelope Nina, with whom she shares with ex-husband Fausto Brizzi. Penelope possesses a remarkably high IQ of 149 and is considered “plusdotata” – gifted – with a brain that constantly seeks stimulation.

A Gifted Child’s Intense Sensitivity

Zanella described Penelope as having an “enormous sense of justice” but being deeply affected by injustice. According to Zanella, wrongs can trigger anxiety attacks and crying fits. She recounted an instance where Penelope refused to speak to her for two days after Zanella killed an ant. During a family trip to Cairo, Penelope halted their bus until they purchased snacks for 100 children who had asked for them, demonstrating a profound sense of responsibility and empathy.

Navigating Intense Emotions and Intellectual Curiosity

Zanella explained that her role as a mother involves helping Penelope manage the intensity of her feelings and experiences. She attempts to teach her daughter that she doesn’t demand to know everything at once, likening Penelope’s mind to having “a hundred doors, but there’s no need to open them all at the same time.”

Penelope exhibits a wide range of interests and abilities, shifting seamlessly between childlike play and sophisticated intellectual pursuits. Zanella noted that her daughter might be playing with dolls one moment and then asking to discuss ancient Greek literature or astronomy the next. She is also fluent in both Italian and English.

Challenges in the Educational System

Zanella highlighted the challenges gifted children often face within the traditional school system. She noted that while some schools offer specialized programs, many are not adequately equipped to support the needs of gifted students, potentially leading to boredom, feelings of isolation, and a risk of falling behind.

Balancing Intellectual and Emotional Development

While Penelope could have potentially skipped ahead to the seventh grade, Zanella and Brizzi decided against it, prioritizing her emotional and physical development. Zanella expressed a desire for Penelope to experience pre-adolescence fully, recognizing the importance of balancing intellectual advancement with age-appropriate emotional maturity.

Background on Claudia Zanella and Fausto Brizzi

Claudia Zanella and Fausto Brizzi were married from 2014 to 2020, after meeting on the set of the film Pazze di me in 2012. They have one daughter together, Penelope Nina. Brizzi is now married to Silvia Salis and they have a son, Eugenio, born in October 2023.