Busy families often struggle with finding time to spend together. Yet, your gifted child still thrives upon your positive influence, and they need to know that you are dedicated to helping them succeed no matter how many things are on your daily agenda. Fortunately, some of the most meaningful moments only take minutes to make happen. As you create your to-do list, use these ideas to squeeze some bonding time in between those school drop-offs and company meetings.
Join Their School’s Parent Association
Schools for gifted children encourage the involvement of parents, and your child will appreciate knowing that you are offering your support to their gifted education program. From helping with the school’s book sale to recruiting corporate sponsorships, there are many ways to serve. Being involved with the parent association will also ensure that you always hear about fun bonding opportunities such as accompanying the class on a field trip early enough to make arrangements to attend.
Volunteer in the Community Together
Service learning projects are a significant part of programs for gifted students that foster leadership skills while adding a little something special to those college applications. Find out what volunteer opportunities your child is interested in, and sign up to serve together. Working side by side to help others allows you both to see each other in a different light.
Enroll Them in a Programs for Gifted Students
Talented children often find their schedules overrun with things such as auditions and competitions. When these are combined with school and your need to go to work, it is easy to see why there is so little time for bonding. Distance learning programs for gifted children are designed to allow more flexibility with your child’s schedule. Knowing what coursework is coming up enables you to plan special family events around your child’s school and personal activities.
Get Involved in their Projects
Enrichment courses allow gifted children an opportunity to explore new interests while strengthening their talents. Use these classes as a springboard for finding things to do together. For example, helping your child decorate a bench they build in woodshop or listening to a song your child is working on in choir are simple activities that go a long way toward letting your child know that you care.
Use Pockets of Time to Ask Questions
Believe it or not, you are alone with your child for long enough to have a deep conversation every day. Those small increments of time that you are together in the car commuting to school or gathered around the dinner table really do add up. Keep a running list of topics in your mind that you can bring up with your child. Remember to avoid simple yes or no questions, and instead ask open-ended questions about their interests. Alternatively, you could pose a question about a problem and hear out their solution. Engaging your child in conversations allows you to guide their development, and it really only takes a few minutes to make a big connection.
Staying involved in your child’s life gets harder as they gain new interests and delve deeper into their gifted education programs. Yet, encouraging their development does not mean having to let go. With a little creativity and determination, you can squeeze plenty of time into a packed schedule to make sure your child knows that they are your priority.