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Gifted, But Different
How to Parent a Gifted Child By Anne Leverette-Sanderlin
Parents are advised to help their children find true friends and permit the friendship to grow. Most of all parents and teachers need to be aware of the child's learning needs and provide a program that allows the child to learn in the company of their peers.
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.