Most gifted children enjoy relatively good overall psychological health. Research supports the view that intellectually and athletically gifted youth have better-than-average social adjustment. However, we know less about the social adjustment of gifted children with talents in music, drama, dance, the visual arts, and other culturally valued domains. … [Read more...] about Parenting Principles That Work
parenting
Metrolina Regional Scholars’ Academy: Parents’ Vision Becomes a Reality
Perhaps only the parents of highly gifted children can attest to the frustrations of educating them. These students learn at a radically different speed from their age-level counterparts (one and a half to four academic years’ growth in one school year). Although many public schools have pull-out programs for the gifted and talented, highly gifted students are not adequately served by this typically one-hour-a-day enrichment. Indeed, with IQs between 145 and 170, they are often unchallenged. … [Read more...] about Metrolina Regional Scholars’ Academy: Parents’ Vision Becomes a Reality
Raising Culturally Responsive and Responsible Children
Given the ever-increasing diversity in our nation and schools, it is essential for parents to address their children’s cultural development. Although engendering cultural awareness and sensitivity in all children is important, gifted students tend to have an especially keen sense of justice. Hence they tend to be concerned about inequities, racism, and prejudice. Parents must provide their gifted children with experiences that encourage them to make a positive difference in society. At the same … [Read more...] about Raising Culturally Responsive and Responsible Children
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is the ability to perceive, understand, and manage feelings. Because it is a relatively new area of study in psychology, we know less about it than about more traditional types of intelligence. However, what we are learning is exciting and gives us new ways to think about children’s abilities. … [Read more...] about Emotional Intelligence
Families and Schools: Partnership and Collaboration
During the elementary years a close connection between home and school can result in positive interpersonal, emotional, and intellectual development for the child. Parents and school personnel are dedicated to the educational well-being of children, but they represent different perspectives. When working together, they will find it helpful to have a sense of each other’s roles and responsibilities. … [Read more...] about Families and Schools: Partnership and Collaboration
Is Our Son Overextended?
Parent Question: Our son is involved in a number of extracurricular activities. He is on a travel soccer team, plays violin, works on the school newspaper, and participates in a church teen program. We’ve noticed a decline in his attention to homework and studying and worry that he may be overextended. Is he doing too much? … [Read more...] about Is Our Son Overextended?
Shaking Those Midwinter Blues
Midwinter—that gray eclipse between New Year’s and spring break when we’re tempted to hibernate.With the winter holidays over, academic rigors and extracurricular activities reconvene full force. However, the afternoons are short and often dreary, and long winter nights can become tiresome without some respite from the routine. Although February is the shortest month of the year, it seems to become the longest. Enter the midwinter blues. … [Read more...] about Shaking Those Midwinter Blues
Help Your Child Find the Flow
The next time you see your child engrossed in a video game, watch carefully. Notice the look of intense concentration. Except for the occasional gasp of excitement or exasperation, he or she is silent and may remain that way for hours, enraptured. … [Read more...] about Help Your Child Find the Flow
Should I have my exceptionally bright four-year-old tested?
Parent Question: My four-year-old is exceptionally bright. Should I have my child tested? If so, when? Do you recommend a particular test? Expert Answer: By all means, have your child assessed. … [Read more...] about Should I have my exceptionally bright four-year-old tested?