Being the parent of a gifted learner is an amazing opportunity to enjoy watching as your child develops their unique personality. However, your role as a parent also comes with the tremendous responsibility of providing your child with the support and stimulation they need to fully develop their talents. After your child has been identified as gifted, it is natural to be apprehensive about your ability to give them what they need to mature into well-rounded adults. Fortunately, you can relax and just enjoy parenting your talented child by using these strategies to provide support.
Remember Their Age
Gifted children are often met with high expectations for their behavior by adults who mistake their academic intelligence for emotional maturity. As a parent, it is important to remember that your child is still a child, and they may react to stressful events in a way that is perfectly normal for their age. At times, you may have to step in and explain to others that your child may perform on a higher level academically, but they still need assistance learning to cope with new situations and challenging emotions.
Avoid Stifling Questions
Asking constant questions about topics well beyond their years is a hallmark trait of a gifted learner. Sometimes, gifted children ask questions about controversial subjects that adults find inappropriate for their age. They may also ask higher-level questions that adults are unsure of how to answer. While it may be tempting to avoid answering these questions, it is important to avoid discouraging intellectual exploration. Instead, you may ask your child to talk about it during a more appropriate time, provide a simple answer that satisfies, or direct them toward a resource that can provide the right answers.
Encourage Service-Learning
Young children who are gifted learners tend to feel strongly about world events, and it is not uncommon for them to feel stressed regarding things outside of their control such as world hunger and pollution. Encouraging them to volunteer in a service-learning project can provide them with a sense of control that eases their anxiety. These projects also provide a social opportunity that can help gifted learners improve their ability to interact with their peers.
Provide Real World Stimulation
If your little gifted learner tends to always have their nose in a book, provide them with opportunities to experience real life situations that support their interests. Visit a museum, an art show or a community festival that pertains to their latest research so they can really dive into their interests. After school classes and summer camps also provide an opportunity for your child to apply their knowledge in a real time setting.
Respect Your Child’s Self-Understanding
As you have likely learned by now, gifted learners have a unique perspective on life that includes a strong understanding of their personal needs. In fact, your child likely already knows how they learn best, and they may request alternative forms of education such as distance learning or individualized classes. While these learning concepts may be foreign to you, it is important to take your child’s needs into consideration. Be willing to research and explore the types of educational opportunities from which you can choose to fully support your child’s learning style.
Stepping into the role of parenting a gifted learner is an honor that also comes with the weight of responsibility. While you do want to make sure your child enters adulthood well-adjusted, it is important to avoid over-managing their life. By following these simple strategies, you will be able to give them the room they need to grow while offering support for their development.
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