#gtchat Archive
Global #gtchat Powered by TAGT is a weekly chat on Twitter that takes place on Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT and 5 p.m. PT in the U.S. For one hour, parents, educators, advocates and experts in the field of gifted and talented gather to share resources, links, authentic life experiences and insights about gifted issues.
Tuesday June 21, 2016
For the next hour I’ll be joining others at ( ) ~ please pardon the heavy stream; or better yet, join us!
Welcome to Global Gifted and Talented Chat Powered by the Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented
Our topic today is “Where’s the ‘OFF’ Button? Helping Parents of Young Gifted Children”
Thanks for coming out! Let's take a minute to introduce ourselves. Share who you are & where you’re from! https://t.co/YpNRa7HeJ9
I’m Lisa Conrad ~ advocate, conference presenter, blogger & mother of 2 gifted young adults from Pittsburgh, PA.
Hi Jo Freitag from Gifted Resources and Sprite's Site Victoria Australia here on Wednesday 10.00 am for
Jen in N IL. Mom to 2 . Writer/blogger/flutist/homeschooler (only DS15). LOVE this topic.
Hi I'm Rita Shehan mom to two grown adult gifted daughters.
Carol Bainbridge from Indiana, mom of gifted young adult and writer about gifted kids.
Hi, Jo! It's still Tuesday night here!
Welcome, Rita! We look forward to you sharing your parenting experience!
New to ? We use a Q1) / A1) format for questions & answers. Remember to add the hashtag >>> to each tweet!
New to ? We use a Q1) / A1) format for questions & answers. Remember to add the hashtag >>> to each tweet!
Hi Gail Post from Gifted Challenges - psychologist, blogger, parent of two kids, one a recent college grad!
Kim here -- educator and mom to a 4.5 yr old who we are pretty sure is gifted
Hi all - Christine here for a bit. I am a GT author, not to mention parent of 2 GT daughters
She’s too modest, folks. EXCEPTIONAL GT author. HIGHLY rec her books to everyone!
Hi, Christine! Just finished a graphic I think you'll like! ;)
I have learned so much from the amazing Lucky to have her here to share her expertise.
Hi all - Pam from IL, music teacher, mom of 2
You are so sweet. Having a GT adult kinda day, so I needed that! THANK YOU
MWAH! GT adults need lovin too! :)
Question 1 is up on deck; let’s chat!
A1) They have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.
They have so much to think about- 90 miles an hour
A1: They have a desperate thirst for knowledge. They can’t live w/out learning!
A1) I LOVE their constant inquisitiveness!
A1) Keep reminding yourself that they are just curious! And … consider the alternative. I’d rather they ask questions.
Hello all! Nicole from Round Rock, TX. Dist5GT Coordinator
A1 GT kids are insatiably curious observers & want the details!
<--- Advisor! Welcome, Nicole!
A2: ’Twas worse when he was younger, but DS15 would give the impression he would PERISH if he didn’t ask ?s.
A1 "The important thing is not to stop questioning." - Albert Einstein They are sponges & there is so much to learn.
A1) Intellectual Dabrowski says they have overwhelming desire to learn - when very young they ask questions later they read
A1 So we talk & talk & talk some more…and now he can Google stuff. Whew…and mwahahahahahahha!
Yes! https://t.co/RrQ8hBYKkh
A1 "The important thing is not to stop questioning." - Albert Einstein They are sponges & there is so much to learn.
A1) Providing gifted kids with an exceptional learning environment always spawns questions. Good job!
A1) They are like Kipling's Elephant's child - they have insatiable curiosity.
Oh yes - Google and YouTube instructional videos. They become little experts at whatever they're interested in.
Love Youtube instructional videos!!!
videos SAVED me when he was younger. YT videos don’t get enough credit.
Explains my garden; I have roses & don’t care for them because my kid-roses have worn me out. ;)
A1) I find it isn't just the questions but also the endless narration as a means of creating their own meaning/ answering own Qs
YES! The constant talking. All.The.Time. https://t.co/JatrPJn7KR
A1) I find it isn't just the questions but also the endless narration as a means of creating their own meaning/ answering own Qs
Yes! Some of our GT kids truly process the world orally - thus the constant narration. Some narrate internally
A2 I call it on DS15. “YO, dude, boss it down. You'll parent your own kids, y’ain’t parenting your little brother.” He needs direct.
*I* narrate internally. Then I started blogging. LOL! Good fit. https://t.co/4EjurDRQld
Yes! Some of our GT kids truly process the world orally - thus the constant narration. Some narrate internally
A2) A lot of this is a perception problem - our GT kids need to increase their social awareness to get how they're perceived
A2- Empower them in their passions and teach them filters of when it's appropriate to take the lead
ha! YES!!! That is awesome. Can't wait to start our blog back up - I am looking at July 15 ish
A2) Bossiness sometimes comes from frustration with peers or siblings. Need help with redirecting frustrations.
I'm Kelly-mother, teacher, homeschooling mama to 2e DS11. I'll be in and out tonight😀
Uh... Guilty. https://t.co/H3WR6rO8sd
A1) I find it isn't just the questions but also the endless narration as a means of creating their own meaning/ answering own Qs
WOOT!!! I’ll get prepping! Getting the band back together! ;)
This is hard - mine tends to be bossy with peers but uncertain with authority. All I do is keep talking/explaining/encouraging.
A2) Trying to get 4.5 yr old to grasp difference between sharing her opinion & telling everyone what to do... Work in progress!
A2) Also need lots of help with perspective-taking -"how would it feel if soandso treated you like this?" but without the guilt
they ask questions because that is what makes them awesome! It is pure, honest curiosity!
A2) Gifted children often have a wide breadth of knowledge leading them to be criticized as a ‘know-it-all’.
yes - and it is a misperception on both parts
Frustration - Oh yes, then the emotional OE comes out, and more NT peers just don't get what they're so upset about.
A2) It’s important to guide gifted children to understand how to temper their approach to those around them.
I think modeling and providing language is key...and having patience to reteach those skills
Hi all, Paula Prober here. Counselor, consultant, blogger (Rainforest Mind). Just dropping in briefly to learn the process.
A2) Gifted kids need to harness their abilities & learn to appreciate others’ viewpoints.
A2 Bossiness and "know-it-all" can be different, though, but both create social problems
<-- Next week's guest! Welcome, Paula!
A2) Sometimes talking about and role playing how to react respectfully while leading in certain situations can help
Excited is next week’s guest! Looking forward to reading her new book! https://t.co/I4SJ2lX1R2
<-- Next week's guest! Welcome, Paula!
A2 Finding like-minded peers may reduce frustration, cut down the bossiness to some extent
Q3) How can we help gifted kids navigate age-peer relationships w/kids who don’t understand their intensity? https://t.co/oU2EmBcSN8
A3 Sigh. No idea. I rec finding similarly wired peers in a passion area & hope for the best.
Great point! https://t.co/XGLDi9ztPL
A2 Finding like-minded peers may reduce frustration, cut down the bossiness to some extent
Hi everyone, Cindy Kruse here. Gifted Consultant in PA. Dropping by for a few minutes.
A3) Explore with your child the concepts of empathy, high expectations, emotional intensity and social justice.
RT A3) Explore with your child the concepts of empathy, high expectations, emotional intensity and social justice.
Welcome, City! I'm in Pittsburgh!
A3 Validate feelings but teach them to moderate their response. Worst thing you can do is reinforce the idea they're oversensitive.
in my experience, this is tough. I am nearby to provide language if needed and we prep before social time
A3) Discuss emotional intensity in a positive light. Don’t minimize your child’s feelings; respect them.
A3- teaching them to have compartment friends like adults, not your BFF but love soccer or dinos just like you
We’re already half way through our chat! Thanks for all the great sharing!
I believe I have this book in my summer pile :-) Time to fish that out
How can we discuss intensity in a positive light?
Great strategy! We often did this with our kids whenever possible. https://t.co/xPF8n5iUoB
A3- teaching them to have compartment friends like adults, not your BFF but love soccer or dinos just like you
A)3 These skills can be taught through modeling, role play, etc. Presenting a workshop for educators this week on this!
Sorry I have to go. Still can't figure out how this works! Eek. Will need ur help, Lisa. Thank you all.
yes bossiness and impatience with what seems so easy/clear to them but not to others their age
A3) Teaching social skills can help It is hard when others do not share your passions and you bore them! https://t.co/e3fjCWhu4O
I think partly help child know that there's nothing wrong with intensity; different way of experiencing life.
NP! You'll have lots of people here to help you! You're doing great!
A3) Make sure that exposure to different types of people, preferences, and contexts are not rare but often and with reflection
A4) Some research suggests that gifted children need less sleep, but they still need sleep and so do you!
A4 I gave up. They’re old enough to stay in their rooms & fall asleep w/out me. But I take great glee in waking them in the am.
A4) We did not ever work that one out!
A4- give them a notepad to jot their thoughts or ideas before resting
A4 That said, when younger, I had 2 diff drs rec Benadryl for DS15 to sleep. It helped a lot.
A3 Allow kids a safe place to withdraw to deal with feelings. During playdates explain to friend that they just need a moment.
A4) Research bedtime routines for gifted kids; traditional methods don’t usually work.
A4 We also tried to emphasize sleep vs in your room & quiet & don't bother parents unless bleeding. Kinda helped. Sorta. Not really.
Q3) be honest? Not everyone will care about certain things as much as you do. And that is OK!
“usually” nothing…they DON’T work. :p https://t.co/TlHKl3cR9M
A4) Research bedtime routines for gifted kids; traditional methods don’t usually work.
A4) I had my kid go to bed early. Then he could read by himself as long as he wanted to.
A4 Mine need sleep, but have a hard time staying that way due to active imagination & resulting anxiety. I snuggle if needed!
A4) Make sure they've gotten to burn off energy -- physical & intellectual -- b4 bedtime!
A4) Collaborative problem solving technique works wonders, along w/teaching self-regulation strategies
A4 And finally, when in doubt, duct tape comes in a variety of colors to match any bedroom decor. ;) LOL!
A4) Learn what works best for your child; trial & error may be necessary. Don’t give up!
A4) I wish those tent beds had been around when my kids were little!
A4- give them a bed time that then has 30m or 1h before lights out so they can wind down
My teen stays up reading., then battles me (literally) in the morning. I sometimes have to call in reinforcements
Yuuuuup sounds familiar. :/
A4) if anxious before sleep I provide alternative happy thoughts, topics, stories to what their internal dialogue is providing
this has always been hard!We know exercise & fresh air helps.Sound machine, lavender & guided meditation helps usually
A4) This is something that definitely gets worse, before it gets better. Mine grew out of it when they got jobs & had to go to work.
Q5) What strategies can help kids embrace their intensity & recognize it as a part of giftedness? https://t.co/n4HBTo0XG9
That’s right, I think we used sound machines & “sweet dreams” spray to help wind them down!
Sorry, I'm going to have to leave early.
Very helpful! My daughter takes 60-90 min to "get ready" for bed but then falls asleep in 20-30 min
A5) Don’t assume that young gifted children understand the nature of giftedness. It’s more than just being smart.
We use fans for sound & air circulation. White noise works wonders. Kids also make pillow nests for security..
A5) Talk to your child about giftedness. Explore ways to co-exist in a world that doesn’t always appreciate being gifted.
we talk a lot about different people, different brains & sensitivities. Also seeking mentors & experts
A5) Teach them to be self-aware,that intensities can be channeled into greatness,for little ones it can be like own
This has been crucial - they need to know that what they feel is "normal" for people. Feeling deeply isn't a weakness.
This is when it's nice to have so many online resources to use in these discussions!
Feeling deeply can very much be a strength. https://t.co/V00gozxzcr
This has been crucial - they need to know that what they feel is "normal" for people. Feeling deeply isn't a weakness.
They absolutely need to know this! https://t.co/Y1cyJL5ahH
A5) Teach them to be self-aware,that intensities can be channeled into greatness,for little ones it can be like own
A5) My 4.5 yr old knew her brain "works differently" than kids at her preschool w/o me telling her
Off to finish a presentation for tomorrow...great convo!
A5, part 2) Working on what that means/how not to insult other kids bc their brains aren't like hers (she assumes hers = best)
A5) Help them to revel in their heightened appreciation of sights and sounds and scents and colours
I was always amazed at their level of understanding. Wish adults were the same.
Q5) I try to constantly communicate honestly to them about how they are feeling, why other's might not feel the same
Final question coming up!
I’ve threatened to hire a marching band to get DS15 up in the am. I have connections… ;)
Joining WAY late-just found you!
A6 I can say, w/out a doubt, THAT IT GETS BETTER OMG IT GETS BETTER I AM NOT KIDDING HERE FOLKS.
I don't think even that would have helped when ds was a teen.
I like the idea of describing as a ! Asynchronous development to blame for child's confusion over intensities
Welcome to ... I'll post link to transcript later. :)
A5
Intensity = Enthusiasm
Just b/c others aren't bursting at the seams doesn't make their interests less valid, learn to take turns.
A6 Go back & read https://t.co/TZUUPgZxqB & you’ll see just how crazy it was. Now? My boys are the best kids ever. Worth the effort.
A6 Yes! When you find some of your peeps in advanced classes or in Honors Colleges or even old kids/adults that share ur passions...
I think so-but then new issues evolve. My DS used to wake up at 5am and 9am felt like lunch. Now we sleep until 7:30-8 😀
Or similarly wired peeps when homeschooling! https://t.co/lpDYSoHeCM
A6 Yes! When you find some of your peeps in advanced classes or in Honors Colleges or even old kids/adults that share ur passions...
A6 Maturity does wonders. Every year is a little better as they grow into themselves. They get even more fun to talk to as well!
A6) Gifted kids do grow up. They will probably continue to be intense, but they have the maturity to deal with it.
And you can step back more, which helps. https://t.co/2D6vYC4zrY
A6) Gifted kids do grow up. They will probably continue to be intense, but they have the maturity to deal with it.
Q6) Yes!! my youngest is 6 and so misunderstood. Our oldest is now 11 Still on a learning curve but so much easier!
A6- these kiddos will continue to evolve their kaleidoscope into something spectacular, but sometimes it will be a mess
A6) Yes, it does get better. There is hope for a good night’s sleep. You may eventually even miss those early years!
Mine has amazing ability to tune out noise. The squirt bottle gets the quickest response when desperate
We’re nearing the end of today … final thoughts/takeaways?
This will be archived at & the link will be shared via later today
Yes, ma'am!! It gets better with age and/or kindred spirits!
A6) Yes It definitely gets better - esp. when you watch them become parents themselves with all the same challenges and delights!
I’m sure there’s a bit of chuckling and cackling in the background too. ;) https://t.co/t3uyKpK2sc
A6) Yes It definitely gets better - esp. when you watch them become parents themselves with all the same challenges and delights!
more self aware& has language for what he needs/feels.Still hard to read a room-not everyone wants to hear gaming info
Or the wisdom not to care so much! https://t.co/JNkcK5NH8T
A6) Gifted kids do grow up. They will probably continue to be intense, but they have the maturity to deal with it.
Thanks to the extraordinary staff for their awesome support; we couldn’t do it without them!
We find our intellectual/ emotional matches...and life makes more sense https://t.co/XEfjvzQwRM
Yes, ma'am!! It gets better with age and/or kindred spirits!
Thanks to the Advisory Board:
Be sure to follow some of the new friends you met here today at to continue the convo!
Thank you Lisa and advisory board, sponsors,supporters and everyone for another great
Our next chat will be on Tues June 28th at 8E/7C/6M/5P (US)/Wed 29th June at 1AM (UK)/12.00 NZST/10.00 AEST
A6 It helps that they "find their tribe" as they get older & exposed to more opportunities to find like minded friends.
We’ll be chatting with author about her new book “Your Rainforest Mind”.
mine has a YouTube channel Beanbag Man Minecraft-they should check it out-he always craves this ups/compliments😀
Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts & comments today. That’s what chats are all about!
