Problems Facing Gifted Children An overview

Gifted/Talented Children… Develop differently than their peers Develop differently than their peers May be highly impatient May be highly impatient Ask embarrassing questions Ask embarrassing questions Resist direction, routine practice Resist direction, routine practice Question teaching procedures Question teaching procedures May seem bossy May seem bossy Are often intolerant of those “slower” than them Are often intolerant of those “slower” than them

Gifted/Talented Children… Are stubborn Are stubborn Resist being interrupted Resist being interrupted May become depressed May become depressed Are perfectionists Are perfectionists Use words to manipulate others Use words to manipulate others Are sensitive to criticism or peer rejection Are sensitive to criticism or peer rejection Are highly self-critical Are highly self-critical

May have uneven development The physical may not keep up with their mental development. The physical may not keep up with their mental development. Fine motor skills may arrive late. Fine motor skills may arrive late. May have a lot of energy May have a lot of energy Quickly grow frustrated May not be understood by their peers May be advanced in several diverse areas

Gifted children often do not socialize well with their peers. In primary school, they often try to organize complex games and boss other kids around. In the middle and upper grades, other children rarely understand their jokes. The biggest danger to a gifted child is the desire to do anything to fit in. This often leads to lower academic performance, ditching school, and even self-destructive behaviors.

Preventing Problems What we can do to help.

Help Fulfill Their Social Needs Gifted children often get along better with older children and adults than they do with kids their own age. Gifted children often get along better with older children and adults than they do with kids their own age. They may need several peer groups because their interests are so varied. They may need several peer groups because their interests are so varied. Peers may be found based on reading preferences Peers may be found based on reading preferences Be sure your kids are aware of the dangers created by hanging out with older kids. Be sure your kids are aware of the dangers created by hanging out with older kids.

Teach by example Although impatience is a common trait among gifted children, parents ought to strive to provide roll models of patience. Although impatience is a common trait among gifted children, parents ought to strive to provide roll models of patience. Display behavior appropriate to a given situation. (Someone has to be the adult, don’t let it be them!) Display behavior appropriate to a given situation. (Someone has to be the adult, don’t let it be them!) Pursue your hobbies/interests and share your experiences with them. Pursue your hobbies/interests and share your experiences with them.

Discover the cause of their depression Depression is usually being angry at yourself or at a situation that is beyond your control. Depression is usually being angry at yourself or at a situation that is beyond your control. Share with your child how you deal with frustration. Be open and honest. Share with your child how you deal with frustration. Be open and honest. Check their educational placement. Sometimes placement in the wrong class can make them feel trapped. Check their educational placement. Sometimes placement in the wrong class can make them feel trapped.

Encourage their self- expression Gifted children tend to be nonconformists. Gifted children tend to be nonconformists. They challenge traditions, rituals, roles, or expectations. They challenge traditions, rituals, roles, or expectations. Others’ discomfort may prompt them to curb their growth or abilities. Others’ discomfort may prompt them to curb their growth or abilities. Help them discover a way to not conform “within the rules” (dress up their uniforms) Help them discover a way to not conform “within the rules” (dress up their uniforms)

Speak to their teachers Ensure that your gifted child has educational flexibility. Ensure that your gifted child has educational flexibility. Educate their teachers on what you do to help them complete chores at home. Educate their teachers on what you do to help them complete chores at home. Talk with other parents of gifted children. Sometimes they have advice that can help. Talk with other parents of gifted children. Sometimes they have advice that can help.

GATE Parent Conference March 31, March 31, Euclid Middle School Euclid Middle School 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm