Raising GT Kids: Nurturing gifted and talented children

Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

Parenting is already a heroic journey, but parenting GT kids? That’s an epic quest worthy of its own mythology.

As a spiritually-oriented marriage and family therapist, I’d like to take a more nuanced stance toward nurturing your gifted and talented (GT) children.

The Quest Begins: Identifying Your GT Child

Imagine discovering your child has a superpower. They’re like little Einsteins and Da Vincis rolled into one, capable of bending the fabric of time with their intellectual prowess or creating art that moves souls.

Identifying GT kids usually involves standardized tests, teacher nominations, and the ever-accurate “parental gut feeling” – that intuitive nudge whispering, "Your child is extraordinary."

Characteristics of GT kids often include:

Intellectual lightning bolts: Their brains zap through complex concepts faster than you can say, "E=mc²."

Creative spells: They conjure up ideas that leave you wondering if they’re part wizard.

Curiosity vortex: They ask questions that pull you into a black hole of “Why? Why? Why?”

Motivational magic: Their passion for their interests can be as relentless and singular as a hobbit on a quest for Mordor.

Linguistic enchantments: They might have the vocabulary of a mini Shakespeare.

Enchantment 101: Supporting Your GT Child

Now that you've recognized your child’s gifts, the real adventure begins. Here are some enchanted tools to help your GT child thrive.

1. Enrichment Programs: The Elixirs of Learning

Enrichment programs are like magical potions that expand your child’s mind.

Whether it’s advanced math classes, creative writing workshops, or art studios, these programs provide the challenge and stimulation GT kids crave. Seek out summer camps, after-school clubs, and specialized classes that cater to their unique abilities.

2. Acceleration: The Time-Turner Technique

Remember Hermione’s Time-Turner? Acceleration is similar – it fast-tracks your child’s educational journey.

Options include grade skipping, early entrance to college, or subject-specific advancement. Just make sure your child doesn’t accidentally land in a medieval jousting tournament (metaphorically speaking).

3. Differentiated Instruction: The Sorting Hat of Education

In the regular classroom, differentiated instruction is the Sorting Hat that places your child in the right learning environment.

Teachers can tailor lessons to provide more challenging assignments, independent projects, or flexible groupings. It’s like getting a custom-made wand at Ollivanders – perfectly suited to their needs.

4. Social-Emotional Support: The Shield Charm

GT kids can be sensitive souls, often facing challenges like perfectionism, asynchronous development, and social isolation.

Shield them with social-emotional support through counseling, peer support groups, and opportunities to connect with like-minded peers. Remember, even heroes need friends.

5. Parental Involvement: The Philosopher’s Stone

You, dear parents, are the Philosopher’s Stone of your child’s journey.

Your involvement is key to transforming their potential into brilliance. Advocate for their needs, provide enrichment opportunities, and create a home environment that values learning, creativity, and spiritual growth.

The Dragons: Challenges Faced by GT Kids

Every quest has its dragons, and raising GT kids is no exception. Here are some common challenges and how to slay them:

Underachievement Dragon: If your GT child isn’t challenged, they might disengage and underachieve. Keep the academic fires burning with appropriate challenges and encouragement.

Perfectionism Hydra: This multi-headed beast can cause stress and anxiety. Teach your child that it’s okay to make mistakes and that failure is just a stepping stone to greatness.

Social Isolation Troll: GT kids might feel like they’re living under a bridge, disconnected from peers. Foster friendships with other GT kids and provide opportunities for social interaction.

The Spiritual Compass: Nurturing the Soul of Your GT Child

As a spiritually oriented therapist, I believe that nurturing the soul is as important as nurturing the mind. Here are some ways to keep your child’s spirit aligned on this epic journey:

Mindfulness and Meditation

Introduce your GT child to mindfulness and meditation. These practices can help them manage stress, focus their minds, and connect with their inner selves. Picture a Jedi mastering the Force – calm, centered, and powerful.

Gratitude Practices

Teach your child the art of gratitude. Encourage them to keep a gratitude journal or share what they’re thankful for each day. Gratitude is like a magical amulet that keeps their heart light and their spirit high.

Creative Expression

Foster their creative talents through art, music, and writing. Creative expression is a gateway to the soul, allowing them to explore their inner worlds and share their unique gifts with the universe.

Nature Connection

Please encourage your child to spend time in nature. Whether it’s hiking in the woods, playing at the beach, or simply lying in the grass and watching the clouds, nature has a way of grounding and rejuvenating the spirit.

Final thoughts

Raising GT kids is a heroic journey filled with challenges, triumphs, and profound growth.

But you got this. It’s never been easier to provide the right support, foster a loving and enriched environment, and nurture your child's spiritual well-being. You can help your gifted and talented child shine their brightest light into the world. We need all sorts of minds for the great human experiment.

Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.

REFERENCES:

National Association for Gifted Children. (n.d.). Definitions of giftedness. Retrieved from https://www.nagc.org/resources-publications/resources/definitions-giftedness

Reis, S. M., & Renzulli, J. S. (2004). The Schoolwide Enrichment Model: A How-to Guide for Educational Excellence (2nd ed.). Prufrock Press.

Silverman, L. K. (2012). Giftedness 101. Springer Publishing Company.

Neihart, M., Reis, S. M., Robinson, N. M., & Moon, S. M. (Eds.). (2002). The Social and Emotional Development of Gifted Children: What Do We Know?. Prufrock Press.

Cross, T. L., & Cross, J. R. (2011). Handbook for Counselors Serving Students With Gifts and Talents: Development, Relationships, School Issues, and Counseling Needs/Interventions. Prufrock Press.

VanTassel-Baska, J., & Stambaugh, T. (2006). Comprehensive Curriculum for Gifted Learners (3rd ed.). Pearson.