Parent Conversations: "Good Enough" Gifted Parenting
Parenting gifted children is a joy, and often a daily challenge. As the parent of now grown children I learned that creating optimal conditions for my two gifted children was often constrained by time, finances, and energy that could bring our efforts to a grinding halt. Sometimes it seemed like parenting our gifted children was all we talked about! Gifted children have quickly changing interests, learn by exploring, processing , going deep, asking questions, being aware of details and subtleties, extraordinary memory and attention span..... How do we support these complex learners in a satisfying zone that supports their natural tendencies? What do we do when their needs inevitably and suddenly change? What school is "good enough?" How can we parent these children appropriately and still take good care of ourselves? And perhaps, most important, how might we be models of mental, physical and emotional health for our gifted children? The idea of "good enough" began to resonate when my husband and I were close to burnout. It involved some modifications in plans and expectations, some compromises, and a lot of conversation. After implementing our ideas we had regular "check-ins" with our kids ensuring they were in a "good enough" zone of happiness, and learning satisfaction. We talked regularly and made necessary on-going adjustments that often created "good enough" outcomes . When our efforts were in sync with our kids and our family values the payoff was sometimes enough time and energy to enjoy a date with my husband, read a pleasure book, get exercise, and have some moments of grounded calm! Please join us to learn more about what "good enough" might imply, and perhaps enjoy a modicum of calmer more satisfying parenting. Here's a few resources to inspire your journey:
"The Wonderful but Weighty Challenges of Parenting a Gifted Child", Thomas B. Fordham Institute, https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/commentary/wonderful-weighty-challenges-parenting-gifted-child "
30 Tips for Parents of Gifted Kids From Parents of Gifted Kids" Medium, https://medium.com/brightnow/30-tips-for-parents-and-educators-of-gifted-kids-from-parents-of-gifted-kids-5c1b0459859a
"Understanding Gifted Parenting", Crushing Tall Poppies, https://crushingtallpoppies.com/2015/11/16/understanding-gifted-parenting/
We aspire to welcome everyone and safely address gifted topics that are accessible and relevant to busy parents. Join us to listen, participate, collect resources, share ideas and create community that supports and understands gifted parenting. Topic suggestions welcome and will change each session, and resources may be provided to inform and fuel the conversation. It's OK if you don't have time to read resources, just join us for inspiring conversation with other gifted parents and Katherine Peterson, parent, CGCC Board Member / Facilitator. Other CGCC Board Members, and CGCC Professional Members will join as they are able. Please feel free to reach out to Katherine Peterson, CGCC Board Member & Parent Discussion Facilitator with questions, ideas or to share your comments.
Please note: Due to the popularity of these discussions there is a $5 charge for non-members. Consider joining as a member for a $25 annual fee to attend all member events for FREE, or please ask for a sliding scale. We are open to all requests.
We cap this group at 10 participants, so please sign up to save your place, and cancel if you're unable to attend so others on the waiting list may enjoy this offering.
