The following information was gathered during a facilitated discussion on perfectionism that included parents of profoundly gifted children.
While preparing for the discussion, one key point consistently surfaced in regards to perfectionism: the fact that it is a characteristic trait that will never go away, but instead can only become fine tuned. Once one is able to accept this, it is just a matter of finding a way to approach perfectionism in a more healthy and productive manner. The parents who attended my facilitated discussion shared many wonderful ideas and successful experiences that have helped them gradually help their children combat against the "disabling perfectionism" and move more toward fostering the "enabling perfectionism" instead.
Perfectionism Resources
Articles
Perfectionism and the Highly Gifted Child, Hately, S.
Tips for parents: Perfectionism and the Profoundly Gifted Child, Meckstroth, E.
Voices of Perfectionism: Perfectionistic Gifted Adolescents in a Rural Middle School, Schuler, P. A.
Books
The Survival Guide for Gifted Kids: For Ages 10 & Under, Galbraith, J. This does not deal directly with perfectionism, but it may be a good resource overall.
The Gifted Teen Survival Guide: Smart, Sharp, and Ready for (Almost) Anything (Revised & Updated 4th Edition), Galbraith, J. & Delisle, J.
Managing the social and emotional needs of the gifted: A teacher's survival guide, Schmitz, C. & Galbraith, J.
Moving Past Perfect: How Perfectionism May Be Holding Back Your Kids (and You!) and What You Can Do About It (formerly titled Freeing Our Families from Perfectionism), Greenspon, T.
Permission Statement
This article is provided as a service of the Davidson Institute for Talent Development, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to supporting profoundly gifted young people 18 and under. To learn more about the Davidson Institute’s programs, please visit www.DavidsonGifted.org.
The appearance of any information in the Davidson Institute's Database does not imply an endorsement by, or any affiliation with, the Davidson Institute. All information presented is for informational purposes only and is solely the opinion of and the responsibility of the author. Although reasonable effort is made to present accurate information, the Davidson Institute makes no guarantees of any kind, including as to accuracy or completeness. Use of such information is at the sole risk of the reader.