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A Parent's Guide to Gifted Children
Raising a gifted child is both a joy and a challenge, yet parents of gifted children have few resources for reliable parenting information. The authors of this book are nationally known experts in giftedness, as well as parents themselves. From their decades of professional experience working with gifted children and their families, they provide practical guidance in key areas of concern for parents, such as the characteristics commonly seen in gifted children, peer relations, sibling issues, motivation and underachievement, discipline issues, intensity and stress, depression and unhappiness, education planning, parenting concerns, finding professional help, and much more. This is a book that parents will turn to again and again. Distinguished as an iParenting Media Award-Winner, USA Books News Award-Winner, and GLYPH Award-Winner!
416 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2007
111 people are currently reading
854 people want to read
About the author
James T. Webb
19 books44 followersJames T. Webb, Ph.D., has been recognized as one of the 25 most influential psychologists nationally on gifted education. Dr. Webb has written 16 books, over 75 professional publications, three DVDs, and many research papers for psychology conventions or for conferences regarding gifted and talented children. Six of his books are on gifted children and adults, and four have won “Best Book” awards.
• Guiding the Gifted Child: A Practical Source for Parents and Teachers - which won the National Media Award of the American Psychological Association as the best book for "significantly contributing to the understanding of the unique, sensitive, emotional needs of exceptional children.”
• Grandparents’ Guide to Gifted Children – winner of two awards
• Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnoses of Gifted Children and Adults: ADHD, Bipolar, OCD, Asperger’s, Depression, and Other Disorders – winner of three awards
• Gifted Parent Groups: The SENG Model, 2nd Edition
• A Parent’s Guide to Gifted Children – winner of three awards
• Searching for Meaning: Idealism, Bright Minds, Disillusionment, and Hope
A frequent keynote and workshop speaker, Dr. Webb, a licensed psychologist, has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS Sunday Morning, The Phil Donahue Show, CNN, Public Radio International, and National Public Radio.
In 1981, Dr. Webb established SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of Gifted Children, Inc.), a national nonprofit organization that provides information, training, conferences, and workshops, and he remains as Chair of SENG’s Professional Advisory Committee. In 2011, he was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arizona Association for Gifted children, the Community Service Award from the National Association for Gifted Children, and the Upton Sinclair Award by EducationNews.org.
Dr. Webb has served on the Board of Directors for the National Association for Gifted Children, and was President of the American Association for Gifted Children. Currently, Dr. Webb is President of Great Potential Press, Inc.
• Guiding the Gifted Child: A Practical Source for Parents and Teachers - which won the National Media Award of the American Psychological Association as the best book for "significantly contributing to the understanding of the unique, sensitive, emotional needs of exceptional children.”
• Grandparents’ Guide to Gifted Children – winner of two awards
• Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnoses of Gifted Children and Adults: ADHD, Bipolar, OCD, Asperger’s, Depression, and Other Disorders – winner of three awards
• Gifted Parent Groups: The SENG Model, 2nd Edition
• A Parent’s Guide to Gifted Children – winner of three awards
• Searching for Meaning: Idealism, Bright Minds, Disillusionment, and Hope
A frequent keynote and workshop speaker, Dr. Webb, a licensed psychologist, has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS Sunday Morning, The Phil Donahue Show, CNN, Public Radio International, and National Public Radio.
In 1981, Dr. Webb established SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of Gifted Children, Inc.), a national nonprofit organization that provides information, training, conferences, and workshops, and he remains as Chair of SENG’s Professional Advisory Committee. In 2011, he was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arizona Association for Gifted children, the Community Service Award from the National Association for Gifted Children, and the Upton Sinclair Award by EducationNews.org.
Dr. Webb has served on the Board of Directors for the National Association for Gifted Children, and was President of the American Association for Gifted Children. Currently, Dr. Webb is President of Great Potential Press, Inc.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
August 8, 2022
LIke many who have reviewed this book, I felt obnoxious the whole time I was reading it. It took me longer to read it, too, because I wouldn't read it in public, for fear someone would see that I thought my child was gifted.
Then I got to the sentence that said, "Parenting a gifted child can be a lonely experience" and I laughed at myself, holed up in my home, trying to read a book almost secretly.
My kid is bright. He is smart. But he's also challenged in ways. I don't like the word "gifted" necessarily, as I think all kids are gifted in some way, be it a way our society values or not. But the chapter entitled "Characteristics of a Gifted Child" had so many head-nodding moments for me; if gifted is being defined as this book defines it, my child is gifted.
And being gifted has as much bad in it as it does good in it. I get told all the time, "You're lucky your child is smart. It would be so much harder if he weren't." Of course, these people aren't trying to parent my kid. All parenting is hard. To assume that any parenting is easier than any other parenting is hubris. It isn't easier or harder to rear my kid; it's different.
This book had some cheesy suggestions, like most parenting books do, but it validated many of the parenting techniques I use already (most tellingly the strict sleep schedule we keep our kid on; we get hammered and teased for that all the time but I feel, strongly, that it is one of the main reasons our kid is as even-keel as he is ... this book agrees ... so there, naysayers) and it gave me some insight and tools I didn't already have.
It gave me validation, ideas and concepts about which I had never thought. And when I'm stumped, I feel strongly that I will be able to find ideas therein. And if not therein, in the resource list included at the end of the book.
All kids are gifted but this book gives one tools designed to successfully manage the most accepted definition(s) of "gifted" in all its challenges and rewards.
Then I got to the sentence that said, "Parenting a gifted child can be a lonely experience" and I laughed at myself, holed up in my home, trying to read a book almost secretly.
My kid is bright. He is smart. But he's also challenged in ways. I don't like the word "gifted" necessarily, as I think all kids are gifted in some way, be it a way our society values or not. But the chapter entitled "Characteristics of a Gifted Child" had so many head-nodding moments for me; if gifted is being defined as this book defines it, my child is gifted.
And being gifted has as much bad in it as it does good in it. I get told all the time, "You're lucky your child is smart. It would be so much harder if he weren't." Of course, these people aren't trying to parent my kid. All parenting is hard. To assume that any parenting is easier than any other parenting is hubris. It isn't easier or harder to rear my kid; it's different.
This book had some cheesy suggestions, like most parenting books do, but it validated many of the parenting techniques I use already (most tellingly the strict sleep schedule we keep our kid on; we get hammered and teased for that all the time but I feel, strongly, that it is one of the main reasons our kid is as even-keel as he is ... this book agrees ... so there, naysayers) and it gave me some insight and tools I didn't already have.
It gave me validation, ideas and concepts about which I had never thought. And when I'm stumped, I feel strongly that I will be able to find ideas therein. And if not therein, in the resource list included at the end of the book.
All kids are gifted but this book gives one tools designed to successfully manage the most accepted definition(s) of "gifted" in all its challenges and rewards.
July 15, 2010
From the time my first child was born I have been frustrated by general advice given to me by parenting books and medical professionals. My children eat more often, sleep less, achieve milestones sooner, are more active, and respond differently to discipline than what children are "supposed to." Occasionally I have let these differences really stress me out, as I stressed over what I was doing wrong to "mess up" my child. Eventually I just decided that these problems were caused by an over-emphasis in our culture of standardizing child care--we take the average and then state that all children must fit into that average, ignoring the fact that an average is actually made up of a wide range of data. I decided that as long as I didn't see a problem I wasn't going to let anyone convince me there was one.
So, when I say that this is the first parenting book that actually comes anywhere near to describing or understanding my children, it is not a casual statement. This is a comprehensive book on what it means to parent a "gifted child" (which, I just have to say, is a terrible, polarizing term that does not come close to describing what is really more of a neurological condition than just a simple "gift"). It goes into everything from motivation, to discipline, to education, to family dynamics. My husband and I both learned a lot about ourselves as we discussed what was in this book. I found this book reassuring and enlightening. I repeatedly found myself thinking, "This describes exactly how I feel!" or "That is so Tim!" or "Could you describe Kalyn any better?" I highly recommend this book to anyone who thinks their children may be gifted, or even if you just think you yourself might be gifted.
I hope this doesn't come across as conceited. If you even skim the book you will find out that "giftedness" is about a whole lot more than just doing good in school. There is a whole host of problems that goes along with it, which have definitely had a huge impact on my life. DO NOT read this if you're just interested in having your child do better in school because you will find absolutely no help from this book. DO read this if you see your child struggling with such issues as sensitivity, intensity, and social dysfunction and you want to help them deal with these problems and go on to become happy, functioning adults.
So, when I say that this is the first parenting book that actually comes anywhere near to describing or understanding my children, it is not a casual statement. This is a comprehensive book on what it means to parent a "gifted child" (which, I just have to say, is a terrible, polarizing term that does not come close to describing what is really more of a neurological condition than just a simple "gift"). It goes into everything from motivation, to discipline, to education, to family dynamics. My husband and I both learned a lot about ourselves as we discussed what was in this book. I found this book reassuring and enlightening. I repeatedly found myself thinking, "This describes exactly how I feel!" or "That is so Tim!" or "Could you describe Kalyn any better?" I highly recommend this book to anyone who thinks their children may be gifted, or even if you just think you yourself might be gifted.
I hope this doesn't come across as conceited. If you even skim the book you will find out that "giftedness" is about a whole lot more than just doing good in school. There is a whole host of problems that goes along with it, which have definitely had a huge impact on my life. DO NOT read this if you're just interested in having your child do better in school because you will find absolutely no help from this book. DO read this if you see your child struggling with such issues as sensitivity, intensity, and social dysfunction and you want to help them deal with these problems and go on to become happy, functioning adults.
January 29, 2011
Our school district recommended this book for parents of G&T students, so I read it to gain a better understanding of the philosophies that may be guiding their G&T program. My husband and I had our own G&T educational experiences growing up but education at all levels appears to have changed considerably and we wanted to be prepared.
Some of the book deals with basic parenting issues and dispenses basic parenting advice (give children choices, use natural consequences whenever possible, phrase your requests carefully, etc) and isn't specific to gifted children. There are also sections that focus on personality traits that are commonly found among this population, "twice-exceptional" children, educational options and advocating for your child in the school system.
None of it was particularly ground-breaking, although the section on testing, educational options, and advocating for your child will be of use to parents whose children are not in good educational settings. Also, the book appears aimed primarily at a middle or upper-middle class audience--or seems to have been written from that perspective--so it brings certain assumptions with that.
There is a lot of focus on gifted children being different from the rest of the population, and while I would agree that there are differences the book doesn't address the reality that even gifted children will grow up to be adults who need to interact with others. It literally said that the best solution would be for all children to learn "business friendly" skills, whereas I would go one step further and discourage elitism. Yes, gifted children have special abilities and will likely be close friends with those of similar abilities (which is true of everyone, by the way), but a compassionate view of society that sees everyone as having something to contribute and being worthy of friendship is a better approach. One can be "business friendly" with one's mechanic--or one can be genuinely friendly with the mechanic because the mechanic is good at what he or she does and deserves the same respect as anyone else. For that matter, there's something to be said by not judging a book by its cover. One's occupation is still closely tied to socioeconomic status, so making assumptions about others based on their job or their school placement or anything else without taking the time to know them is elitism at its worst.
There were a few other sections that also struck me as elitist and not terribly useful, but they were tempered by other section that took a more realistic approach.
Parents who may be new to G&T education will probably find this a useful introduction, but should take care to focus on the educational and emotional needs of their children.
Some of the book deals with basic parenting issues and dispenses basic parenting advice (give children choices, use natural consequences whenever possible, phrase your requests carefully, etc) and isn't specific to gifted children. There are also sections that focus on personality traits that are commonly found among this population, "twice-exceptional" children, educational options and advocating for your child in the school system.
None of it was particularly ground-breaking, although the section on testing, educational options, and advocating for your child will be of use to parents whose children are not in good educational settings. Also, the book appears aimed primarily at a middle or upper-middle class audience--or seems to have been written from that perspective--so it brings certain assumptions with that.
There is a lot of focus on gifted children being different from the rest of the population, and while I would agree that there are differences the book doesn't address the reality that even gifted children will grow up to be adults who need to interact with others. It literally said that the best solution would be for all children to learn "business friendly" skills, whereas I would go one step further and discourage elitism. Yes, gifted children have special abilities and will likely be close friends with those of similar abilities (which is true of everyone, by the way), but a compassionate view of society that sees everyone as having something to contribute and being worthy of friendship is a better approach. One can be "business friendly" with one's mechanic--or one can be genuinely friendly with the mechanic because the mechanic is good at what he or she does and deserves the same respect as anyone else. For that matter, there's something to be said by not judging a book by its cover. One's occupation is still closely tied to socioeconomic status, so making assumptions about others based on their job or their school placement or anything else without taking the time to know them is elitism at its worst.
There were a few other sections that also struck me as elitist and not terribly useful, but they were tempered by other section that took a more realistic approach.
Parents who may be new to G&T education will probably find this a useful introduction, but should take care to focus on the educational and emotional needs of their children.
May 24, 2008
I kind of hate adding this to my Goodreads list because I don’t want to seem like I’m saying, “Um, my child might be gifted, so that’s why I’m reading books on this subject matter… just so you know….”
BUT… Oh my dear heavens—finally some insight into my SON. The child isn’t INSANE, he must be GIFTED. (Although that’s apparently a fine line to walk.)
But seriously, this book was literally the most insightful parenting book I’ve read in awhile in regards to my oldest (the other kids may very well be gifted, but at this stage in the game tantrums and drooling are taking precedence, so that’s hard to say….). Anyway--I devoured it; I took a bunch of notes; I had so many aha-moments. Was it that so many of these things applied to my boy, or that it just brought up some generally good parenting things?—Who knows. But at least this book has helped me, in the two days that I’ve read it, to not be so driven crazy by the child and his freaky quirks.
BUT… Oh my dear heavens—finally some insight into my SON. The child isn’t INSANE, he must be GIFTED. (Although that’s apparently a fine line to walk.)
But seriously, this book was literally the most insightful parenting book I’ve read in awhile in regards to my oldest (the other kids may very well be gifted, but at this stage in the game tantrums and drooling are taking precedence, so that’s hard to say….). Anyway--I devoured it; I took a bunch of notes; I had so many aha-moments. Was it that so many of these things applied to my boy, or that it just brought up some generally good parenting things?—Who knows. But at least this book has helped me, in the two days that I’ve read it, to not be so driven crazy by the child and his freaky quirks.
July 27, 2023
Incredibly helpful in understanding both of my kiddos, who are very different in their giftedness. Not only did it make me feel like I’m not alone, but it was reassuring to know that there are people out there who understand how my children are wired. Dense but worth the read.
March 21, 2011
Reading this for a class I am taking. I sure wish I would have been offered this education before now. It seems like there is so much support for parents with children who struggle in school. There are all kinds of additional educational opportunities and never a fight to get them all the support they need. Because, after all, they deserve the help. People don't want to hear about the needs of a "gifted" child. No one feels that this child needs any additional support for the struggles they might be having. I was fortunate to have wonderful teachers for my son in Kindergarten and first grade. They saw what he needed and implemented many different things to keep him on track. Second grade was the eye opener for me. I asked for help. Even begged at times. Offered to volunteer to come in and do what ever could be done to help. Never was taken up on the offer and we found ourselves just making it through the year. I even had the teacher explain that Ryan couldn't be gifted because he "struggled" in some areas. So sad that our educators are so ignorant to the needs of our children. They believe that a "gifted" child is brilliant in all areas and don't struggle with anything? There were several children in my son's class that were needing more...but the idea of public school is to keep the kids in a little box of where they think they should be. I am hoping this year will be different. A program in this area is available once they reach 3rd grade. He tested into the ALL program and so far he is loving school. I am hoping for something beyond that. I am hoping to learn how to help my child beyond 3rd grade. Help him learn to be okay with himself. Know it is okay to be different. Know that no matter what, home is a safe place for him and he isn't "weird" or "crazy". Socially we need help. Academically maybe not. My child deserves additional opportunities just like any other child. I am finding it necessary to be his advocate. No one is going to fight for him like his mom. And, believe me, I am a fighter. :)
December 26, 2017
I would recommend this book for any parent...especially if your child is identified as gifted. I even enjoyed it as a teacher.
October 19, 2013
I read this book because it was listed as a resource for a program at M's school. I also saw the Amazon stellar reviews that claimed it was a great resource, worth owning and referring to.
And, on the upside, it is a pretty complete resource. It discusses a variety of topics (dicipline, depression, education goals, etc) with complete coverage and modern accepted conclusions. For example, the chapter on discipline seemed to distill many useful suggestions from some of the most popular and accepted current discipline methods. There are one or two chapters that are distinctly aimed at children who display giftedness, and those chapters are probably uniquely useful (for example, the one that goes into how academic giftedness is identified, and how different approaches to educating gifted children work). The book also talks about how kids can be gifted on different dimensions, not merely linguistic/mathematical, and I felt the entirety of the book maintained a good balance on that scale.
However, I found myself feeling that 90% of the book would read just as true if the word 'gifted' were just left out. There is very little that is applicable to ONLY the gifted child. (In the chapter on Depression, say, there was some discussion of whether gifted children are more prone to depression. It is suggested that they may be more commonly exposed to depressive stimuli, like a mismatch between school and learning style. It is also pointed out that studies about the rates of depression are flawed or inconclusive. And, the remainder of the ideas or information, while good, apply to all children struggling with that issue.)
It is repeatedly stated that giftedness has drawbacks, and that the very things that make a child gifted can also make that child face difficulties or be difficult to raise. This grated on my nerves a bit, and i'm not sure there is much evidence to make those statements.
Much of the information about sensitivities is also found in 'Raising your Spirited Child', which I found to be a more useful and easier-to-read book.
I'm giving it a lot of stars because i think it is a well researched and complete parenting resource. But I am hesitant to recommend it merely on the basis of addressing gifted children, because I suspect we are better off parenting out *children*, not our *gifted children*.
And, on the upside, it is a pretty complete resource. It discusses a variety of topics (dicipline, depression, education goals, etc) with complete coverage and modern accepted conclusions. For example, the chapter on discipline seemed to distill many useful suggestions from some of the most popular and accepted current discipline methods. There are one or two chapters that are distinctly aimed at children who display giftedness, and those chapters are probably uniquely useful (for example, the one that goes into how academic giftedness is identified, and how different approaches to educating gifted children work). The book also talks about how kids can be gifted on different dimensions, not merely linguistic/mathematical, and I felt the entirety of the book maintained a good balance on that scale.
However, I found myself feeling that 90% of the book would read just as true if the word 'gifted' were just left out. There is very little that is applicable to ONLY the gifted child. (In the chapter on Depression, say, there was some discussion of whether gifted children are more prone to depression. It is suggested that they may be more commonly exposed to depressive stimuli, like a mismatch between school and learning style. It is also pointed out that studies about the rates of depression are flawed or inconclusive. And, the remainder of the ideas or information, while good, apply to all children struggling with that issue.)
It is repeatedly stated that giftedness has drawbacks, and that the very things that make a child gifted can also make that child face difficulties or be difficult to raise. This grated on my nerves a bit, and i'm not sure there is much evidence to make those statements.
Much of the information about sensitivities is also found in 'Raising your Spirited Child', which I found to be a more useful and easier-to-read book.
I'm giving it a lot of stars because i think it is a well researched and complete parenting resource. But I am hesitant to recommend it merely on the basis of addressing gifted children, because I suspect we are better off parenting out *children*, not our *gifted children*.
December 16, 2010
Great guide for parents and teachers who need to understand more about gifted children and their special needs.
Chapter 1 - Defining Giftedness
Chapter 2 - Characteristics of Gifted Children
Chapter 3 - Communication: the Key to Relationships
Chapter 4 - Motivation, Enthusiasm, and Underachievement
Chapter 5 - Establishing Discipline and Teaching Self-Management
Chapter 6 - Intensity, Perfectionism, and Stress
Chapter 7 - Idealism, Unhappiness, and Depression
Chapter 8 - Acquaintances, Friends, and Peers
Chapter 9 - Family Relationships: Siblings and Only Children
Chapter 10 - Values, Traditions, and Uniqueness
Chapter 11 - Complexities of Successful Parenting
Chapter 12 - Children Who Are Twice-Exceptional
Chapter 13 - How Schools Identify Gifted Children
Chapter 14 - Finding a Good Educational Fit
Chapter 15 - Finding Professional Help
Chapter 1 - Defining Giftedness
Chapter 2 - Characteristics of Gifted Children
Chapter 3 - Communication: the Key to Relationships
Chapter 4 - Motivation, Enthusiasm, and Underachievement
Chapter 5 - Establishing Discipline and Teaching Self-Management
Chapter 6 - Intensity, Perfectionism, and Stress
Chapter 7 - Idealism, Unhappiness, and Depression
Chapter 8 - Acquaintances, Friends, and Peers
Chapter 9 - Family Relationships: Siblings and Only Children
Chapter 10 - Values, Traditions, and Uniqueness
Chapter 11 - Complexities of Successful Parenting
Chapter 12 - Children Who Are Twice-Exceptional
Chapter 13 - How Schools Identify Gifted Children
Chapter 14 - Finding a Good Educational Fit
Chapter 15 - Finding Professional Help
January 27, 2010
I began reading this book last year while trying to find a school for my daughter which would be a "good fit" I found it in my dresser and began reading again it when my dughter's school district announced they were haveing a TAG info night in order to form a SENG (supporting emotional neeeds of gifted) parent group - I highly recommend this book - it has been the best one I've read on this topic to date!
November 29, 2011
I read this book as part of a SENG Model Parent's Group.
I gained quite a bit of perspective about both myself and my gifted children, as well as techniques for parenting that have led to more positive interactions. My one complaint with this book was that at times I felt like it had an elitist tone. The phrase "the gifted child..." started to grate on my nerves after awhile, espcially when applied to behaviors or feelings that can be attributed to all children.
I gained quite a bit of perspective about both myself and my gifted children, as well as techniques for parenting that have led to more positive interactions. My one complaint with this book was that at times I felt like it had an elitist tone. The phrase "the gifted child..." started to grate on my nerves after awhile, espcially when applied to behaviors or feelings that can be attributed to all children.
March 7, 2012
كتاب رائع لكل والدين ... وللمعلمين كذلك
July 9, 2018
Appendix is full of valuable resources such as:
Association for the Education of the Gifted Underachieving Students (AEGUS)
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Davidson Institute for Talent Development (DITD)
The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)
Supporting Emotional Needs of Gifted (SENG)
http://www.davidsongifted.org/
http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/
http://www.nagc.org/
http://sengifted.org/
http://www.tagfam.org/
Journals:
Gifted Child Quarterly
Gifted Child Today
Gifted Education Communicator
Parenting for High Potential
Roeper Review
Twice-Exception Newsletter
Understanding our Gifted
This one wasn't in the appendix, but it's another great source of info on real-life with gifted kids.
https://www.notsoformulaic.com/
A partial list of the book's Suggested Readings:
**Some of My Best Friends Are Books: Guiding Gifted Readers** [A great resource for book-loving kids]
**The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children** [Should probably be read by everyone, especially teachers, as the strategies are applicable to everyone]
Perfectionism: What's Bad about Being too Good?
Growing Up Gifted: Developing the Potential of Children at Home and at School
Raise Your Child's Social IQ: Stepping Stones to People Skills for Kids
The Social and Emotional Lives of Gifted Kids: Understanding and Guiding Their Development
Parenting Gifted Kids: Tips for Raising Happy and Successful Gifted Children
When Gifted Kids Don't Have All the Answers: How to Meet Their Social and Emotional Needs
The Survival Guide for Gifted Kids: For Ages 10 and Under
Transforming the Difficult Child: The Nurtured Heart Approach
Freeing Our Families From Perfectionism
Fighting Invisible Tigers: Stress Management for Teens
Raisin' Brains: Surviving My Smart Family
Smart Girls: A New Psychology of Girls, Women, and Giftedness (Revised Edition)
Being Smart About Gifted Children: A Guidebook For Parents And Educators
The Power to Prevent Suicide: A Guide for Teens Helping Teens
They Say My Kid's Gifted: Now What?
Keys to Parenting the Gifted Child
Creative Home Schooling: A Resource Guide for Smart Families
Re-Forming Gifted Education: How Parents and Teachers Can Match the Program to the Child
Losing Our Minds: Gifted Children Left Behind
The Optimistic Child: A Proven Program to Safeguard Children Against Depression and Build Lifelong Resilience (M. Seligman)
Helping Gifted Children Soar: A Practical Guide for Parents and Teachers
Grandparents' Guide to Gifted Children
The Survival Guide for Parents of Gifted Kids: How to Understand, Live With, and Stick Up for Your Gifted Child
Association for the Education of the Gifted Underachieving Students (AEGUS)
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
Davidson Institute for Talent Development (DITD)
The National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC)
Supporting Emotional Needs of Gifted (SENG)
http://www.davidsongifted.org/
http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/
http://www.nagc.org/
http://sengifted.org/
http://www.tagfam.org/
Journals:
Gifted Child Quarterly
Gifted Child Today
Gifted Education Communicator
Parenting for High Potential
Roeper Review
Twice-Exception Newsletter
Understanding our Gifted
This one wasn't in the appendix, but it's another great source of info on real-life with gifted kids.
https://www.notsoformulaic.com/
A partial list of the book's Suggested Readings:
**Some of My Best Friends Are Books: Guiding Gifted Readers** [A great resource for book-loving kids]
**The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children** [Should probably be read by everyone, especially teachers, as the strategies are applicable to everyone]
Perfectionism: What's Bad about Being too Good?
Growing Up Gifted: Developing the Potential of Children at Home and at School
Raise Your Child's Social IQ: Stepping Stones to People Skills for Kids
The Social and Emotional Lives of Gifted Kids: Understanding and Guiding Their Development
Parenting Gifted Kids: Tips for Raising Happy and Successful Gifted Children
When Gifted Kids Don't Have All the Answers: How to Meet Their Social and Emotional Needs
The Survival Guide for Gifted Kids: For Ages 10 and Under
Transforming the Difficult Child: The Nurtured Heart Approach
Freeing Our Families From Perfectionism
Fighting Invisible Tigers: Stress Management for Teens
Raisin' Brains: Surviving My Smart Family
Smart Girls: A New Psychology of Girls, Women, and Giftedness (Revised Edition)
Being Smart About Gifted Children: A Guidebook For Parents And Educators
The Power to Prevent Suicide: A Guide for Teens Helping Teens
They Say My Kid's Gifted: Now What?
Keys to Parenting the Gifted Child
Creative Home Schooling: A Resource Guide for Smart Families
Re-Forming Gifted Education: How Parents and Teachers Can Match the Program to the Child
Losing Our Minds: Gifted Children Left Behind
The Optimistic Child: A Proven Program to Safeguard Children Against Depression and Build Lifelong Resilience (M. Seligman)
Helping Gifted Children Soar: A Practical Guide for Parents and Teachers
Grandparents' Guide to Gifted Children
The Survival Guide for Parents of Gifted Kids: How to Understand, Live With, and Stick Up for Your Gifted Child
August 20, 2020
This is the most comprehensive guide to Gifted children I've ever read. Unfortunately, because I've been reading/experiencing/conversing on this topic for years, I only learned a couple of new things. It is also ever-so-slightly out of date (for example, definitions of ASD have changed since it was published in 2007 and the internet is a much bigger influence on children's lives today). Nonetheless, the descriptions of Gifted children and their struggles will ring true across generations. I also found the sections on choosing between educational options and therapy options to be succinct and on point.
If I had a friend whose child had recently been diagnosed as Gifted, this is what I would immediately put into their hands. I would also strongly recommend it for educators, especially at the elementary level, who would like to know more about how Giftedness (really, asynchronous development) can manifest in a classroom and how these children can be supported with cost-effective and relatively simple shifts in their curriculum.
If I had a friend whose child had recently been diagnosed as Gifted, this is what I would immediately put into their hands. I would also strongly recommend it for educators, especially at the elementary level, who would like to know more about how Giftedness (really, asynchronous development) can manifest in a classroom and how these children can be supported with cost-effective and relatively simple shifts in their curriculum.
December 31, 2024
The "gifted" label has a lot of baggage. This book does good work unpacking much of it, which is truly a service to parents and obviously their children. Parenting bright children is not always or even often easy. We want to encourage all children and have them keep their light, not extinguish it or let it die for lack of fuel.
Children who are not learning much each day at school should not be left to their own devices, medicated into dullness, or made into teacher's helpers who reduce the noise at the rowdy table. They need differentiated education that sees the child and helps them engage in learning each day. This book make the case that the need for differentiated education manifests in many ways and often our way of identifying those children is inaccurate, because funding is paltry. Leaving parents to do the differentiating at home leaves behind the children whose parents don't have the knowledge, desire, time, or resources to push their children to grow.
4 stars because it is as dry as a textbook.
Children who are not learning much each day at school should not be left to their own devices, medicated into dullness, or made into teacher's helpers who reduce the noise at the rowdy table. They need differentiated education that sees the child and helps them engage in learning each day. This book make the case that the need for differentiated education manifests in many ways and often our way of identifying those children is inaccurate, because funding is paltry. Leaving parents to do the differentiating at home leaves behind the children whose parents don't have the knowledge, desire, time, or resources to push their children to grow.
4 stars because it is as dry as a textbook.
December 26, 2022
I only wish there was a good academic resource like this one that addressed what God does for us! And sometimes the language encourages parents to be more for their kids than I think is really healthy.
That being said, this still very much earned 4 stars from me. It was super helpful to feel like the patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that I see in my kid(s) are not just due to poor parenting or their lack of character or simply their personalities. There are recurring themes that gifted kids face that we need to be aware of, and may need to address, in order to meet their specific needs.
I came away with sympathy, greater understanding, and an awareness of action steps I can take both in responding to my kids directly and in advocating for them in a school setting.
That being said, this still very much earned 4 stars from me. It was super helpful to feel like the patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that I see in my kid(s) are not just due to poor parenting or their lack of character or simply their personalities. There are recurring themes that gifted kids face that we need to be aware of, and may need to address, in order to meet their specific needs.
I came away with sympathy, greater understanding, and an awareness of action steps I can take both in responding to my kids directly and in advocating for them in a school setting.
February 21, 2019
Reading this made me realize how little I knew about the benefits and more importantly the challenges of gifted children. I thought I was reading the book to help my kids and it does that. The surprise was how many things spoke to me and made me reflect on my own life; from childhood to the present. I think this book is good for any parent and I am glad it was recommended by our psychologist.
July 8, 2017
Possibly the most important book in Gifted and Talented education. This book clearly defines and describes characteristics, and gives parents guidelines for supporting the intellectual and emotional growth of their child.
October 14, 2017
I read this as a part of a class/discussion group put on by our school district for parents of gifted children. I found myself frequently nodding my head in agreement, and learned so much, and have several ideas of things I'd like to try.
May 30, 2021
This was a really helpful but long and dry book that focuses on Gifted children's characteristics and behaviors. It's a great starting point for helping parent gifted children and I found it pretty comprehensive. Definitely a good resource to have.
February 20, 2025
Lots of important information for parents of gifted children can be found in this book. It is a bit out of date in some areas and some word choices would not be appropriate today, but if you can look past those issues, you can find a lot of knowledge and guidance.
November 9, 2017
Well paced and organized, this book is a must for anyone who is raising a Highly Gifted child. I bought two extra copies for both sets of grandparents to read as well.
December 15, 2018
This book provided me with some useful information about g/t educational theories and testing. But really didn’t address my concerns about guiding my child to become a well rounded adult.
September 21, 2020
The Holy Grail, The Gospel.
July 4, 2021
This must me the master work on the topic. An excellent read.
October 23, 2021
Dated information.
June 8, 2022
Must read for GT parents. Super helpful
October 29, 2022
Vooral nuttig voor ouders. Voor andere rollen helaas niet.
January 1, 2023
Just really not compiled well.
April 15, 2023
Dated, with some good info and tips. Useful.
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