Parenting Challenges

Parenting a gifted child is demanding.  They keep us on our toes in many ways and perplex others who don’t understand.  It is often challenging for parents who feel they can’t talk openly to other parents, even friends, for fear others will judge them unfairly because they do not understand what it means to have a gifted child.  Others may say that a gifted child has no problems and doesn’t know what it is like to have to work hard for every grade and every task they do.  

Parents of gifted children know their child has other challenges which may be unfairly put upon them.  Perfectionism expected by others; straight A’s even if the area of giftedness isn’t academics; academic, behavioral, athletic, fine arts, and performance excellence in all areas even though the gifted student has asynchronous development are just a few of the myths and expectations of those who do not know what it is like to parent a gifted child.

One of the biggest things that helps parents of gifted children is to know they are not alone and that there are others who know how they feel and what they are experiencing.  When parents contact me for help with their gifted child they are so relieved to hear that they are not alone, their child is not peculiar, and that there are others who understand.

If you are seeking to connect with others the Fall WATG Conference is a good place to go to learn and meet other parents of gifted children.  Sometimes it helps to talk freely with others who understand.  For more information about the conference go to:  www.watg.org.

Here is a website by a mother who has gifted children and is an educated teacher of gifted children.  She currently homeschools her children.  On the website are resources and other information.
http://www.raisinglifelonglearners.com/10-awesome-books-for-parents-of-gifted-kids-2/

If you are reading this and are a parent of a gifted child who feels overwhelmed and has lots of questions you are not alone.  Reach out to the network of parents who have walked where you are