Gifted, But Different

How to Parent a Gifted Child

By Anne Leverette-Sanderlin

Raising a gifted child can be an exciting yet daunting task. The first step is to be positive and keep your sense of humor. Persistence and stubbornness are the same trait, but at different times can take a parent to the limit. A parent needs to understand that a child's giftedness affects their needs at all levels of development. Remember, knowledge is power and you might have to educate the teachers at times.

Culyer suggests a parent help their child to develop personal interests and talents. "Expose your child to the world around them such as art, nature, public service, compassion and sports," says Culyer. "Be sure to teach your child that failure is something to be learned from and it is nothing to be ashamed of. It doesn't diminish them as a person."

Parents should also not relay the message that because a child is gifted, he is smarter or better than other siblings. Every child is equal and gifted in his or her own right. Teaching a gifted child to be considerate and have respect along with a work ethic prepares them for the real world.

The key to raising happy gifted children is to respect their uniqueness, their opinions and ideas along with their dreams. It can be as painful for parents as their children when they feel out of place with others, but don't put too much emphasis on fitting in. They get enough of this from the world around them.

Want to see more?

• Raising Creative Kids Series
• Is Your Child Ready for Kindergarten?
• The Gifted Child: Better off? Or Branded?
• Talk about it!