Yeah for May!
Two concepts this month, I guess! The first is just something I would suggest all gifted parents should mull around in your heads. All of our identified children, whether they struggle in any way or not, are in need. Whether it is to help them understand the possibilities they can have in their educations and lives or to help them (and us!) understand how their own brains work, or how to manage their perfectionism, it is our job to help guide them. Keep doing that research!
And second, I received some great tips when I attended the open forum in Scottsdale last week that I would like to share with you:
*There are 3 different types of thinking that our children need to be developing.
1-convergent thinking (questions with right/wrong answers)
2-divergent thinking (open-ended questions)
3-cultural diversity (information all children ought to know–ex. historical facts. Who was the 1st President of the United States?)
*Gifted kids need drill and practice, just like everyone else.
*If your child is struggling with interest, help package things differently. It can make all the difference!
*There are 3 keys to parenting: repetition, repetition, and repetition.
*You are allowed and encouraged to force children to do things that are good for them.
*Gifted kids are masterful at getting adults to do the work for them. RESIST GIVING HINTS!!
Good luck everyone! Parenting a gifted child is not easy, but it is worth it. Thank you for being their greatest ally!