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Gifted Children Deserve Love and Consistency

© Peggy Kord

Research reveals parents feel that raising an “average” child is a full time job and raising a gifted child demands 150% of their time. Parents, for the most part, are overwhelmed at the prospect of raising a gifted child along with one or more “average” siblings. Parents are concerned with their home environment, family problems, and enrichment and encouragement need for their gifted child. In the next three articles, I will try to reassure parents that raising a gifted child need not be as worrisome as they may think.

Environment is the first topic we will consider. Parents can design the environment of their child's world. They can help set the stage for learning and for growth by feeling positive about the uniqueness of their child and by allowing him to feel secure. Smutney, Veenker and Veenker, well known researchers in gifted children, explain that a gifted child needs our positive reinforcement; he needs to know he is not isolated.

Gifted children thrive best in a home where there is an atmosphere of warmth, affection, and understanding. (I hope that all of you gifted parents are breathing a sigh of relief! So far I am sure that your home environment already is one of warmth, affection, and understanding!)

Gifted children tend to be more emotional and can be bruised more easily than average children. (Keep in mind that we are concerning ourselves with gifted children and a reference to average children is by no means intended to be a put down.) Research reveals that gifted children are more emotional than other children because of their vivid imaginations and their range of knowledge. However, they lack the experience base that would balance their feelings. It is the role of the parent to create a home environment that is full of confidence and stability. Above all the home must be one of love. Gladieux, gifted researcher, offers sound advice. “Give them your love. Remember they are still children. They need assurance, encouragement – controls and discipline.” (Gifted Child Today).

Discipline is a vital component of the home environment. (Tips for discipline will be a future article,) Parents may feel a sense of insecurity in this area. Research contends that as with any child consistency remains a good principle to adhere to. Consistent rules that reinforce a child’s self-concept should be coupled with logical consequences. Discussion of rules, while trying to keep lecturing to a minimum can be an opportunity for encouraging a gifted child to develop higher thinking skills, such as analysis and evaluation rather than just “mindless punishment.”