Perceptions of Parenting Gifted Kids

Parenting doesn’t come with a handbook. Luckily I have a really great support system with family and friends who’ve made the parenting journey easier. However, as a parent of a gifted child, I find myself hesitant to share successes and struggles I have when it comes to anything related to my child being gifted. Even with my closest family and friends there is a perception of what it means to be gifted, and I often find it to be isolating. More recently I’ve started sharing more with my loved ones, and have been seeking opportunities to connect with people outside my inner circle who are in similar parenting situations. The Wisconsin Association for Talented and Gifted (WATG) is one way I’ve gotten connected with other parents and found resources to make sense of my unique parenting journey. 

Chances are if you have a gifted child, you or someone close to you is also gifted (identified or unidentified). This consciously or unconsciously impacts the choices you make as a parent. Research and educational supports are very different now than when we parents were in school. Navigating the current world we live in and how to best support our child(ren) can be challenging, overwhelming and frustrating. It can also be exhilarating, rewarding and gratifying. It can be all of these things in one day! For this reason, it is important to surround yourself with people who can relate with you and offer encouragement. Also, this is a reason to keep up to date with the most current information related to supporting gifted and talented children academically, socially and emotionally.

Becoming a parent member of WATG has been invaluable for me because of the friendships, veteran parents, and experts who’ve offered me guidance and support. If you're ready to expand your parenting tribe, connect with WATG experts, and/or find more resources on parenting your gifted child, come join us at the first ever WATG Parent Conference on Sunday, October 2, 2022 at the Wilderness Resort in the Dells. We’re looking forward to meeting you! Registration information can be found here.

Dr. Jenna Cramer
WATG Board Member