Search Database

For Parents: Parenting for High Potential

• Assessment of Gifted Children: Identification

  Assessment, educational issues, advocacy: The process of parenting a profoundly gifted child

  This writing is an introduction to a series of three articles by Dr. Julia Osborn in which she examines the processes that parents go through as they raise their profoundly gifted child. First parents try to understand the exceptionality of their child by having the child assessed. Then parents go through the process of grasping the educational issues as they plan for their child's education. And finally the parent must deal with the challenge of being an advocate for their child to see that the child's educational needs are met.

  How to explain IQ testing to your gifted child

  This article explains how parents can explain the results of IQ testing as part of a gifted identification evaluation through the school.

• Developmental: Adolescence

  Ask SENG: Parenting gifted teens

  This article provides answers to some of parents of gifted adolescents' most frequently asked questions.

• Developmental: Early Childhood

  Frequently Asked Questions About Extreme Intelligence in Very Young Children

  This article by Kathi Kearney offers answers to common questions about early signs of extreme intelligence. She offers answers about developmental needs, testing and assessment, challenges in raising a profoundly gifted young child, educational needs, play and preschool. Also included is a list of resources.

  Parents' observations of kindergarteners who are advanced in mathematical reasoning

  This research article discusses the abilities and behaviors of mathematically gifted children. The authors' findings can help reveal how parents can identify young children who are advanced in mathematical reasoning.

• Developmental: Twice Exceptional

  Finding a school that fits

  In this article, Barbara Probst discusses important factors to consider when choosing the right school for your gifted child.

  Helping 2e kids in the transition to college

  This article, written by Meredith G. Warshaw, was first printed in the July 2006 2e Newsletter and discusses how parents can help 2e students prepare for college life, including advocating for themselves.

  Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder, and Intelligence

  In this article, Hanna David discusses the education of gifted students who have attention deficit disorders.

  Parenting 2e kids – A kid’s perspective

  This article is written by Kelsey Ganes, a self-admitted multi-exceptional young adult. She offers parents advice on twice-exceptionality from a teen's point of view.

  Strategies for Teaching Twice-exceptional Students

  This article provides a number of strategies for teachers who work with learning-disabled students, teachers who work with gifted potential, and guidelines for parents.

  The Role of Parents in Helping Gifted Children with Learning Problems

  In this article, Joyce VanTassel-Baska provides information on principals parents of twice-exceptional learners can apply in working with their own children who may have learning problems.

• Educational Options: Acceleration

  Radical Acceleration in Australia: Terence Tao

  This article is a profile of the nurturing and development of Terence Tao, a profoundly gifted young mathematician, chronicles his schooling and highlights the uniqueness of his educational needs. It also highlights valuable insights from his parents on raising a profoundly gifted child. Also included in this profile are observations and comments about Terence from Dr. Julian Stanley, John F. Feldhusen, and A. Harry Passow.

• Educational Options: Early College

  Parents' perspective of early college entrance for profoundly gifted children, Part I and II

  This article is a two-part series by Beth Wright, the mother of a profoundly gifted early college entrant. The first article offers an insightful collection of parents' perspectives on early college issues and experiences. The article addresses the issue of how a parent may know if a child is ready, covering "What about the holes in his schooling?", "Socialization: How will your ten-year old interact with college students?", "What about note-taking and hand writing skills?", and more. The article also addresses some different options on how to select a course for your child's first college experience. The second article, "Testing for admittance and choosing enrollment options" addresses the educational issues of testing for admittance and enrollment options.

• Educational Options: Educational Planning

  Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate?

  This article explains the similarities and differences between Advanced Placement (AP) courses and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program in addition to ways to determine if one or both of these options will work for your gifted student.

  Changing Views on Educating Gifted Students

  This article by Dr. James J. Gallagher discusses changing views in how giftedness is created and changing views in how these children should be educated.

  Choosing the right school for your gifted child

  Parents today have more options than they once did: traditional public schools, magnet and charter schools, private schools, and homeschooling. There is little compelling evidence that children learn more in any one type of school. So choosing the right school requires asking the right questions.

  Factors to Consider When Selecting a High School for Your Highly Able Student

  This article provides parents numerous suggestions on finding the best high school for their gifted student.

  How Can I Help My Gifted Child Plan for College?

  This online brochure discusses early steps parents and their gifted children can take to prepare for college and to ensure that the college experience is positive.

  The Difference Between IEPs and 504 Plans

  This article compares and contrasts IEPs and 504 Plans.

  Transitioning from Elementary to Middle School: Tips for Parents of Gifted Students

  This article outlines tips for parents of gifted students regarding the transition from elementary school into middle school.

• Educational Options: Homeschooling

  At Home in Maine: Gifted Children and Homeschooling

  This article by Kathryn Kearney features interviews with two families homeschooling extremely gifted children. The article explores the families' reasons for making this choice. The discussion also covers day-to-day practices and strategies employed by the families.

• Educational Options: Tips for Teachers

  Off the rack education: Give me a perfect size 10 student

  This article by Raenele Cote compares most students' experiences with the experience of shopping. Just like most people are not the perfect size for the clothes they choose off the rack in clothing stores, most students do not fall perfectly into that middle category that most teachers teach to. This article may give teachers a new way to look at how they teach.

  The Teacher-Parent Connection: Tips for Working with the Parents of a Gifted Student

  This article offers advice to teachers for working with the parents of a gifted student. It's important to remember: "if parents trust that you have their child's best interest at heart, they are more likely to work with you. Check in with them often. Let them feel welcome in your office or classroom. Prepare yourself, and always remember to ask their opinion. As a team, you can be more effective in the education of bright students."
  

• Parenting: Parenting Strategies

  "Gifted and quirky, Asperger's Disorder, or both?" Davidson Gifted Weekly Roundup - April 17, 2020

  A weekly roundup of gifted education news and resources.

  A Glossary of Terms Used in Educational Assessment

  This article presents an alphabetical listing of terms often associated with gifted assessment.

  A Strengths-Based Approach for Children Who Are Twice-Exceptional: Davidson Gifted Weekly Roundup - July 10, 2020

  A weekly roundup of gifted education news and resources.

  Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate - Which is Best for Gifted Students?: Davidson Gifted Weekly Roundup - April 24, 2020

  A weekly roundup of gifted education news and resources.

  Appropriate Expectations for the Gifted Child

  This article by Arlene R. DeVries, M.S.E. talks about how parents can expand their children's education in creative, unconfined ways.

  Asynchronous parenting

  This article shares the first-hand experience of the parent of a profoundly gifted daughter and son. Anne Cronin describes her initial confusion and worry at having a baby who refused to sleep, was constantly active and her feelings of being overwhlemed by her daughter's explorations. Her son offered some relief -- although profoundly intelligent, he was creative and less active. She wraps up with some lessons she has gleaned.

  Breaking trail

  This article by Laura Goodman, parent of a profoundly gifted son, shares her perspective of her "parenting trek" as her son enters his teen years. "For parents with extremely gifted children, what seems to be the accepted norm just isn't normal in their houses." Goodman does not offer advice on what is right, rather she makes the case that what is generally accepted as right may not be for her gifted teen.

  Davidson Gifted Weekly Roundup - April 3, 2020

  A weekly roundup of gifted education news and resources.

  Differentiation through Tiered Lessons: Davidson Gifted Weekly Roundup - May 7, 2020

  A weekly roundup of gifted education news and resources.

  Finding the best school for your gifted child: Recommended questions to ask

  The Davidson Institute for Talent Development provides an overview of helpful questions to ask when determining the best school for your gifted child. Topics covered include: early entrance, ability grouping, Advanced Placement (AP) courses and more.

  Free Arts & Education Resources for Those Self-Isolating: Davidson Gifted Weekly Roundup - April 10, 2020

  A weekly roundup of gifted education news and resources.

  Gifted children and homeschooling: An annotated bibliography

  This article by Kathi Kearney is a bibliography and resource list representing much of the written record in this century about gifted children and homeschooling. A majority of the readings discuss issues of exceptionally and profoundly gifted children who are homeschooling. The authors come from a very wide variety of educational, religious, and philosophical perspectives.

  Gifted Homeschooling: Curriculum, Solutions, and Help with Transitioning: Davidson Gifted Weekly Roundup - June 30, 2020

  A weekly roundup of gifted education news and resources.

  Gifted Students and Screen Time: Davidson Weekly Roundup - June 26, 2020

  A weekly roundup of gifted education news and resources

  Gifted-friendly parenting strategies

  This article by the Davidson Institute for Talent Development discusses seven suggestions that both parents and experts agree are an important foundation for parenting gifted children. The suggestions include: accept and love your child unconditionally; expose your child to a plethora of learning opportunities; don't overload your child; help your child dispel unwarranted feelings of inadequacy; communicate with your child about his/her abilities; be aware of your own baggage; enjoy your child. Also included are links to articles of interest on the topic of raising a gifted child.

  Guilty thoughts: What parents of gifted children really think

  Parents of gifted children often have guilty thoughts and feelings. Yet, the more these thoughts and feelings are acknowledged and understood, the less they will interfere. Here are a few of the most common "guilty thoughts" parents of gifted children experience.

  Helping Gifted Students Cope with Anxiety, Fear, Frustration and Difficult Feelings: Davidson Gifted Weekly Roundup - June 4, 2020

  A weekly roundup of gifted education news and resources.

  Helping Kids Establish and Maintain After-School Routines

  This article breaks down an effective after-school student routine, and how to get there.

  Home influences on talent development

  This article is a chapter from Benjamin Bloom's book, "Developing Talent in Young People." The author, Kathryn Sloane, examines the influence parents have on the development of talent through support and encouragement. The author focuses on family values, parental involvement in instruction, how parents adapt to the changing child through the years and family dynamics.

  Hope Is More Than Wishful Thinking

  Janette Boazman, Ph.D. discusses the concept of Hope and how it plays an integral part in education and gifted education. She outlines methods of using hope create positive reactions among students.

  How to help keep your kid from being bullied

  Although kids of all ages can be bullied or be bullies themselves, it tends to escalate in the middle-school years. Children often pick on one another verbally or shove and push a weak classmate. Overweight kids are easy targets, as are children who dress, speak, or act differently than others. It's a shame that our culture allows and perhaps even encourages these types of behaviors, but it's still a reality in many of our school grounds, classrooms, and neighborhoods. In another excerpt from her book Laying Down the Law, Dr. Ruth Peters offers tactics to deal with bullies, at home and in school.

  How to Keep Your Gifted Child Safe Online

  This article covers the many potential dangers children can encounter while on the Internet. Parents are presented a number of options on how to help prevent these hazards. As described in the article, options include: Direct interaction with your child, additional help through online resources, and filtering and monitoring software.

  Jim Delisle Presentation - Parenting Gifted Kids: Tips for Raising Happy and Successful Children

  Jim Delisle provides parents a number of strategies to encourage and support their gifted students.

  Lighting the gifted reader’s journey—the parent-librarian partnership

  In this article, Debbie Abilock provides advice on how to cultivate your gifted child's interest in reading.

  Living with a highly gifted child

  This article by Marilyn Morrison, a parent of a highly gifted daughter, describes some of the issues of raising a highly gifted child: conflict of the intellect and emotions, unending curiosity and perfectionism. She describes the enhanced challenges of parenting, the exhaustion, and the extra tasks of advocating for appropriate school placement. This is not an advice piece, but a descriptive article on the experience of raising a highly gifted child.

  Parental involvement in the academic and social lives of academically talented elementary school students

  This book chapter is about a study that was done on parental involvement with academically talented students in grades 3-6. The study clearly shows that these parents are very involved in both the academic and social lives of their students. Authored by Nicholas Colangelo, Susan Assouline, I-chun Chen, and Tsung-Hsun Tsai.
  

  Parenting achievement-oriented children

  This article by Del Siegle outlines strategies that parents can use to encourage their gifted children to succeed. The article argues support and encouragement go a long way in validating a child and giving them the desire to achieve their fullest potential. The author also offers a handful of additional resources for parents.

  Parenting highly gifted children: The challenges, the joys, the unexpected surprises

  This article by Kathi Kearney discusses the developmental, educational, and social/emotional issues of highly gifted children from the perspective of parenting. Typical challenges, difficulties, joys, and surprises are discussed. Also, suggestions for maximizing both the child's development and family's balance are provided.

  Parenting in Uncertain Times

  This article provides advice on how to curate daily well-being in an uncertain world with positivity and peace.

  Parenting practices that promote talent development, creativity, and optimal adjustment

  This article by Paula Olszewski-Kubilius explores parenting strategies that seem to work best with gifted young people. It acknowledges that no child or family is the same but draws conclusions from commonalities that exist in the families of profoundly gifted young people who have been able to pursue their talents. It offers suggestions to parents such as letting the child experience some stresses in life and also letting them make their own decisions.

  Parenting Self-Care 101: Davidson Gifted Weekly Roundup - May 1, 2020

  A weekly roundup of gifted education news and resources

  Parenting the Creatively Gifted Child

  This article provides a number of ways that parents can help their creative gifted students be comfortable in their own skins.

  Parenting Twice-Exceptional Children through Frustration to Success

  Written by Beverly Trail, this article provides parents advice on how to best assist their twice-exceptional children.

  Paving the Path to Meaningful Engagement for High-Potential Children

  This article describes the concept of "meaningful engagement" and how to incorporate it into a plan for gifted students.

  Profoundly gifted guilt

  This article Jim Delisle addresses common fears among parents of profoundly gifted children. He relates the comments he has heard from parents of profoundly gifted children, such as "I'm not smart enough to help my child" and "I'm sure if I do the wrong thing I'll just ruin this child." For each, he provides a brief discussion and advice.

  Reluctant Writers - Understanding Common Writing Issues for Gifted Children: Davidson Gifted Weekly Roundup - May 28, 2020

  A weekly roundup of gifted education news and resources.

  Resource Support for Families During COVID-19: Davidson Gifted Weekly Roundup - March 27, 2020

  A weekly roundup of gifted news and resources.

  Roles in Gifted Education: A Parent’s Guide

  This article offers parents in the "gifted world" a wealth of information on the staff and administrators that can help them and their students navigate the gifted experience. Each of these staff members have different roles, responsibilities, and levels of training.

  Six tips for communicating with your gifted child's teacher

  This article provides parents insight on how to communicate with gifted students' teachers.

  Straight Talk: Helping Bright Teens Through Tough Times

  This article is an effort to assist you in helping your teen(s) through difficult times. Professionals with experience and expertise in the gifted population share these practical suggestions as a guide for implementing strategies that work for your family. Parents often struggle with knowing what to say, what to do, and how to act when their son or daughter experiences a rough time in his/her life. In this article, professionals share their thoughts on communication, finding purpose, parenting, suicide, and risk factors. Also included are resources on adolescence, grief, depression and suicide.

  Survival kit for parents of exceptionally gifted children

  This article is a list of practical strategies for dealing with the frustrations and challenges of parenting highly gifted children. This "survival kit" was developed by Betty Meckstroth and a group of parents at the conference of the Hollingworth Center for Highly Gifted Children. These survival skills were developed, tested, and refined in the best laboratory of all - the daily lives of the families of highly gifted children.

  Talent development: Tale of a young gifted writer

  This article by Susan Morris is one mother's story of how she has helped her daughter to develop her writing talent. Many personal stories are included throughout this article. The author also offers tips on encouraging a child in his or her talent.

  The art of avoiding power struggles with children

  This article by Kathryn Kvols offers 17 suggestions for avoiding power struggles, including ways to give your child a sense of empowerment and promote "positive self-concepts and cooperation." It explains the difference between "authentic power" and "coercive power" and why authentic power is preferred as it results in a win-win situation for all involved. The suggestions include realistic, humourous and common sense approaches to avoiding one of the most frequently experienced and difficult aspects of parenting.

  The Dynamic Family: Davidson Gifted Weekly Roundup - May 15, 2020

  A weekly roundup of gifted education news and resources

  The effects of sibling competition

  This article by Dr. Sylvia Rimm, a psychologist who directs the Family Achievement Clinic, in Cleveland, Ohio, and is a clinical professor at Case School of Medicine, discusses sibling rivalry. "Parents often wonder why their children are so different from each other even though they are raised in the very same family. In addition to genetic differences, competition among siblings does affect the development of other children in the family, and may be the most important reason why children raised in the same way are so different."

  The joys and challenges in raising a gifted child

  This article by Nancy Delano Moore details a mother's experiences trying to access appropriate educational options for her profoundly gifted daughter. In particular, the author defends the practice of acceleration. She concludes with a handful of brief tips for parents.

  The Overbooked Child: Are We Pushing Our Kids Too Hard?

  More and more children, like adults, are involved in far too many activities. In this article on Psychology.com's website, David Elkins cautions against over-scheduling your child.

  The Parenting and Education of Gifted Students

  This article, written by Jan Davidson, Ph. D. of the Davidson Institute for Talent Development, includes advice on the process of identification of giftedness and how to provide a nurturing learning environment for your child. Both those unfamiliar and experienced with gifted education can benefit from this information.

  Tips for parents of gifted children: What most parents wish they had known

  In this article, Dr. Gail Post provides some general guidelines many parents of gifted children may have wished they had known.

  Tips for Parents: Balancing Mind with Heart

  This Tips for Parents article is from a seminar hosted by John Kroeker. It incudes a reading list and information on rhythmic breath, exercise and more.
  

  Understanding and encouraging the exceptionally gifted

  This article by Bruce Kline and Elizabeth Meckstroth defines several pervasive characteristics and needs of exceptionally gifted children. It also identifies some corresponding options to nurture their sense of competence, confidence, and life satisfaction in synergy with their environment. The areas of critical development highlighted are interpersonal relationships, acknowledgement of uniqueness, school adjustment, creative self-expressions, and user-friendly environment. For each of these developmental areas the author suggests several intervention strategies.

  What most parents of gifted children wish they had known about college planning

  This article provides several suggestions on how parents can help students plan for college, as well as find colleges that offer the right fit.

  What parents can do to help their children get organized

  While this article, by Sandra Rief, M.A., focuses on what parents can do to help their 2e students get organized, the tips provided are relevant to any gifted student who needs assistance with organization.

  Wunderkinds

  This article by Roberta Staley describes some of the situations faced by profoundly gifted young people and their families. Staley relates many interesting anecdotes and commentaries. The article advocates for increased recognition of the importance and value of these gifted young people.

  Your child is gifted! Now what?

  This article provides some great first steps on what to do after your student is identified as gifted.

• Parenting: Tips for Parents

  8 Sentence Starters to Use When Talking to Teachers

  Sometimes it’s not what you say but how you say it. If you want to effectively communicate with your child’s teacher, try these sentence starters.

  Put a Pause on Being Productive: Gifted Weekly Roundup – June 12, 2020

  A weekly roundup of gifted education news and resources.

  Tips for Parents: Making New Connections: Digging Deeper into the practice of Positive Discipline Parenting

  This Tips for Parents article is based upon a seminar hosted by Catherine Gruener. She provided resources, tips and guidance in application of Positive Discipline parenting, using Adlerian approaches with a Positive Discipline focus (Lott & Nelsen, 2012; Nelsen, 2006).

  Tips for Parents: Nourishing the Mind, Heart, and Body of the Spiritually Sensitive Child

  This Tips for Parents article is from a seminar hosted by Paula Wilkes, who discusses a number of topics related to sensitivity.

  Tips for Parents: Recipes and Habits for Fast-Moving Families on the Go

  This Tips for Parents article is from a seminar hosted by Kiesa Kay, who provides 10 simple tips for families on the go.

• Social/Emotional: General

  Fostering philanthropic values

  This article discusses how gifted children's sensitivity to events happening in their society and surrounding can often be isolating and frightening. This article outlines steps such as talking with your children and encouraging philanthropic values in order to help normalizes these feelings.

• Social/Emotional: LGBTQ

  G-Squared. Supporting Your Gifted LGBT Student

  This article provides a number of suggestions that may be helpful in guiding a gifted LGBT student.

• Social/Emotional: Peer Relations

  Cyberbullying and Sexting: Technology Abuses of the 21st Century

  Bullying, and being bullied, has a long history
  in schools. How does giftedness relate to bullying and being bullied? The Internet and other technology-related devices are particularly suited to nonviolent types of bullying such as name-calling.

  Social Adjustment and Peer Pressures for Gifted Children

  This article by Sylvia Rimm addresses the social issues that gifted young people face on a regular basis. It gives situational examples and offers suggestions to parents on how to deal with issues that may arise. Peer pressures are discussed as well as strategies for parents on helping their children to chose the "right" peer group.

• Social/Emotional: Underachievement

  When your gifted child disappoints

  This article provides parents advice on how to prepare for the roller coaster ride of parenting.

• Support Materials: Interviews

  Gifted Exchange Interview - Jim Delisle

  Laura Vanderkam interviews Jim Delisle for the Gifted Exchange Blog.

• Talent Development: Advocacy

  Early gifts, early school recognition

  This article by Joan Smutny relates the question: "If a tree falls in a forest and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?" to today's gifted education. The author describes how parents of the gifted should pay close attention to their child and start advocating for them early in their life. It also explains that it is very important to let people that deal with your child, especially educators, know that they have special needs to prevent future problems.

  Recommended Readings on Educational Advocacy

  This article by the Davidson Institute for Talent Development offers parents and educators recommended readings on the topic of educational advocacy, including articles and books. Parents and educators are encouraged to visit the state legislative database on the Genius Denied website to determine the services available in their state. A link to many state organizations is also included to aid in the advocacy process.

• Talent Development: General Talent Development

  Davidson Gifted Weekly Roundup - March 13, 2020

  A weekly roundup of gifted news and resources.

  Davidson Gifted Weekly Roundup - March 20, 2020

  A weekly roundup of gifted news and resources.

  Is It a Cheetah?

  Cited in numerous gifted publications for years, Stephanie Tolan's classic essay provides a great metaphor to gifted education.

  The best educational YouTube channels for kids

  In this article, Michael J. Petrilli offers his thoughts on the best YouTube channels for learning for tweens and teens, circa the summer of 2018.

• Talent Development: Strategies & Tools

  Educational Advocacy for Gifted Students

  This article by Julia Osborn is the third in a series of three articles on the processes parents go through in raising an exceptionally gifted child. This article, based upon a study of 12 exceptionally gifted students, discusses the experiences of these parents in advocating for appropriate school placement for their children. A list of practical advocacy recommendations is included.

  Parenting tips on educational advocacy

  This article by the Davidson Institute for Talent Development offers parents tried-and-true strategies they can use to optimize their chances of changing the attitudes of teachers and administrators and find a solution that will optimize their child's education. These strategies include the following tips: obtain an assessment; be prepared; schedule a meeting. Advocacy is an ongoing process and parents need to remember there are no perfect schools, perfect classrooms or perfect teachers. As a child grows, additional accommodations will need to be explored and implemented.

  Self-Regulated Learning and Academically Talented Students

  Dr. Sally M. Reis provides strategies on self-regulation in this article. A number of case studies are covered to help explain the topic.

  So Your Child is Gifted...

  In this article, NAGC President Dr. Paula Olszewski-Kubilius provides parents a number of tips and guidelines on what to do if their students have been recently identified as gifted.

  Teaching Gifted Kids To Explain Their Thinking

  In this article, Ian Byrd offers strategies on how to teach gifted students the skill of explaining their thinking.