Parenting

Educational Options

Blog by Deborah L. Ruf, Ph.D.

Raising Gifted Children: Some Do's and Don'ts for Raising Gifted Kids [©1999]

"Parents have usually reached the “We’re desperate!” stage by the time they seek out a person to help them with their gifted child. In fact, although all the background information on IQ scores, gifted programs, and the affective needs of the gifted is nice, what many parents really want to do is staunch the bleeding, do damage control. Their formerly bright-eyed, bushy-tailed pre-schooler has lost the spark, turned sullen, or worse, hates school. Different, but often equally troubling, some kids actually make such a good adjustment to school that they no longer seem to be learning anything new at all beyond “fitting in” skills..."

"Welcome to gifted parenting: A checklist of emotions" [7/16/18]

"As you grapple with decisions about schools and advocacy, as you search for books/classes/activities that engage your child's passions, you might notice that your own emotions surge at unexpected times. They nag at you when your child seems bored at school. They erupt in anger when she is misunderstood or her intentions disparaged. They swell with anxiety as you lie awake worrying about his future. Fear, envy, pride, resentment, disappointment, anger, bitterness - these are no strangers to gifted parents."

Resources for Parents [NAGC]

"As you get to know your sensitive, energetic toddler, watch your 10 year struggle to fit in at school, or agonize with your high schooler about multiple college choices, you may wonder why your child seems different from other children. Is your child gifted? If yes, what next? NAGC works to provide you the tools you need to help your child succeed."

Motivation and Learning [NAGC]

"As a parent of a gifted child, you want to know how you can help your child stay engaged with learning. Think about those times when we are motivated to do our best. It is usually when

• • we are interested in,

  • have an ability for, and

  • see a purpose in what we are doing."

Social & Emotional Issues [NAGC]

"Because gifted children demonstrate greater maturity in some domains over others, they may be at greater risk for specific kinds of social-emotional difficulties if their needs are not met.

"These aspects may include heightened awareness, anxiety, perfectionism, stress, issues with peer relationships, and concerns with identity and fit. Parents, adults, and caregivers in their lives need to stay in tune with their specific child's needs, and help shape a strong framework for social-emotional health."

Be a Role Model: Find a Healthy Balance with Media and Technology [Common Sense Media, Caroline Knorr 5/15/2017 ]

"We've all seen that dad yakking away on his cell phone at the playground while his 3-year-old resorts to increasingly desperate measures to get his attention. We've also been that parent. We answer emails, update Facebook, take a conference call, and try to get in that one last text. The thing is, kids notice -- and they're not happy about it."

Throw a Way Better Party with Common Sense Media's #DeviceFreeDinner Invites and Ideas from Evite [Common Sense Media, Amanda Nojadera 4/10/2017 ]

"When it comes to screen-time rules for your family, you're on it: devices off before bedtime, no phones at the table, and family media agreements. Maybe you've taken Common Sense Media's #DeviceFreeDinner challenge. But what about other events, like birthday parties, sleepovers, and game nights? Shouldn't devices sit those out, too?"