A Place To Go

Often, when we experience something for which we are unprepared, challenged with, or otherwise do not know what to do, it helps to talk with others who have gone through, or are going through a similar experience.  For parents of gifted children, those feelings are no different.  Most parents wish for healthy children who can make friends, get through school, and have a happy and successful life.  When we discover our child is a little different, isn’t understood in school, or has interests far beyond their years, we often do not know what to do.  Most family and friends do not understand because of many reasons, but as parents we know we need help.  We just need to find where to go.  

One place to go is the annual WATG Conference coming up on November 16-17, 2017 at the Wilderness Glacier Canyon Lodge in Wisconsin Dells.  The conference welcomes parents for both Thursday and Friday, but of note is that Friday is Parent Day where parents may connect with one another.  There are special speakers, time for parents to talk with one another, and a parent networking room.

If you have a teen who is gifted and age 13 or older, you may want to consider bringing them to the Teen Conference, also on Friday running concurrently with Parent Day.  As noted in the flyer for the Teen Conference: “ “The Art of Possibilities” is a workshop for students who are passionate about and excel in the visual arts and want to learn about advocating for themselves and their talents.”  Teens will get to be with other gifted teens, which also benefits them, just like parents, and helps them to feel like they are not alone.  

Meeting someone who has walked in your shoes, or is experiencing the same challenges can often help bring confidence and new ideas to parents and teens who do not know where to turn.  For parents, talking with other parents of gifted children, and those with children older than your own, sometimes helps eliminate the wondering of what to do, or what will come next with your own child.  For teens, meeting others like themselves often brings a new outlook knowing there are other teens like them, some with similar interests. Talking parent-to-parent, or teen-to-teen is important because it helps us to feel as though we are not alone.

Below are some websites with information about the conference and registration.  There is a fee for both Parent Day and the Teen Conference which includes meals and activities.  Teen Conference registration is due by November 10.  There is special pricing for rooms at the Wilderness Glacier Canyon Lodge if you need to stay overnight.  I encourage parents and teens to attend the WATG Conference to meet, learn, and network with others like yourselves.  

See the following websites for more information.  

WATG Conference Friday Parent Day Schedule and Registration
http://www.watg.org/parent-day.html

WATG Teen Conference
http://www.watg.org/teen-conference.html

WATG Conference website
http://www.watg.org/about-the-conference.html

WATG Home Page
www.watg.org

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