PARENTAL SUPPORT
1. I need to be shown your love does not hinge on my achievements Many times parents will want to celebrate the academic success of their gifted child. They may have placed first in the school science fair, received top academic honors at their school with outstanding grades, or even won the local spelling bee. There is nothing wrong with celebrating your child who is academically excelling at school. However, children who are gifted want to be loved “unconditionally.” They don’t want love from their parents to only be demonstrated during times of academic achievement. Don’t only tie your praise to events in which your child excels. Show you love them regardless of superior academic ability or failure, simply because they are your child. Express your care and pride for occurrences beyond just high achievement, and they’ll understand your love for them is unconditional.
2. I need to spend part of my school day with other gifted students It is important that your gifted child has access to other gifted children during the school day. While they need to learn how to interact and communicate with people who are not gifted on a daily basis, it is equally important they
are in a learning environment for part of their school day with other gifted students. It will allow them a unique opportunity to work and interact with other children who may share some of their interests and struggles. It allows your child to fully comprehend they are not the only gifted child at their school. They have peers who share similar experiences.
3. School may be boring Getting 100 percent on school assignments does not mean gifted children are enjoying school or excelling. It is also not a measure of growth. A gifted student may begin a class in the fall of a school year with a 98 percent knowledge level. By May of the same school year, they may exit the class with a 100 percent knowledge level. Many people want to celebrate the high achievement your gifted child has obtained. However, it really only shows your gifted child made two percent progress over a nine to 10 months period of time. Gifted children want to explore, be challenged, and ask lots of questions. It is your responsibility as a parent to ensure your school program is meeting the advanced educational needs of your gifted child. If they are not being challenged at school, they may just want to start staying at home and could potentially become isolated.
4. Don’t assume I want to skip grades at school Your gifted child may have the academic ability of an advanced adult but still only be 10 years old. Even though they may easily handle high school algebra or science
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