Welcome!
Having a gifted child can be an exciting and eventful journey. Some gifted learners may work at a slower pace, may struggle with anxiety that masks their talents, or could be afraid of failing. Other gifted learners will flourish by building leadership skills, seeking out their individual interests, or exhibiting a combination of these and other traits.
It has been shown that parents are critical to a child’s development and can significantly influence the child’s talents and motivation towards learning (Neihart, Pfeiffer, & Cross, 2016). Because of this significant influence, this web page was created to support parents of gifted children by helping them navigate the various social and emotional needs of middle school students. Middle school can be a struggle for many students, but gifted students may feel different or resistant to standing out amongst their peers. Parenting a gifted child brings different stressors due to the unique needs of gifted children that are not readily met in a traditional classroom (Garn, Mathews & Jolly, 2012). Students begin to build their identity and self-concept through their relationships with peers who are similar to them, and can become frustrated if they are around people who do not understand or excel in the same way (Robinson, Shore, & Enersen, 2007). Because of the possible social struggles, gifted learners may need the opportunity to be separated and placed with others who think deeply and critically like they do, to positively impact their learning. This could take place through accelerated classes or an extracurricular experience outside of the traditional classroom.
The resources below are intended to assist parents in seeking opportunities for gifted learners to interact with other students like them. It also will assist parents in finding online resources to continue cultivating their student’s love for learning and individual interests. These helpful suggestions, interventions, and examples can assist families working with gifted learners. In addition, resources for parents on volunteer opportunities and community groups offer assistance to parents of gifted children. Without available resources and opportunities, students may begin to lack educational motivation or lose sight of interests. In addition, these resources can assist families in beginning to prepare for college as students explore their interests and possible careers.
It is my hope that this website can assist families working with gifted learners. Please reach out with any questions, concerns, or suggestions for this website. Thank you!
Three Images to Explain Giftedness to Parents: This website has 3 visuals to help parents understand what it means to be a gifted individual. This can also be helpful when trying to explain giftedness to other adults.
PAGE of Wake County: This is a great resource for parents to support gifted education in Wake County, as well as opportunities for parents to get involved with and volunteer. PAGE also hosts two Super Saturday workshops for gifted learners to partake in and guest speakers and resources for parents. These are generally offered around May and October. Check their website for more information regarding registration, a schedule, and workshop opportunities with descriptions as it is released.
Hoagies’ All Things Gifted: This website has endless resources for parents of gifted children. Parents can connect with other parents of gifted students, read through research articles on various social and emotional needs, seek information on gifted students and special needs, and even get advice on how to parent a gifted child. This site includes both suggestions on reading materials for parents and a humorous section on funny experiences of being a parent to a gifted child. This website will help parents feel supported and not alone!
Do's and Don'ts for motivating gifted learners: It can be hard parenting a gifted student. Included in this website are some tips for parents on how to best motivate students.