Gifted Children

Whether you think environment causes a child to be gifted or it is his or her genetic inheritance, here are some things that parents do who have gifted children.

1. The parents teach their children to do tasks for themselves.
2. The parents involve their children in many activities that reflect their culture and society. Music, art, or religion adds a variation that may not be always included in home life.
3. The parents provide many different learning activities.
4. The parents involve their children in problem solving activities.
5. The parents provide various outings and excursions outside the home- Trips to a historic site, the library, a farm, nature center, art and science museums.
6. Parents read to their child and have many books around the house.
7. The parents value education and learning.
8. The parents talk to their children. Children who do well in school have parents who talk to them at least 3 minutes a day!
9. Parents use rich and descriptive words with their children.
10. Parents of gifted children “salute” their children. They “stop”-“accept”-“listen”-“understand”-“talk” to-“enjoy” their gifted children (Gordon, 70)
11. The parents listen to and observe their children and respond to their needs.