#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 August 23, 2016
Welcome to Global Gifted and Talented Chat Powered by the Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented
Our topic today is “Life in a Gifted Family”
Thanks for coming out! Let's take a minute to introduce ourselves. Share who you are & where you’re from! https://t.co/wjoajgIIS3
I’m Lisa Conrad ~ advocate, conference presenter, blogger & mother of 2 gifted young adults from Pittsburgh, PA.
Teresa Milligan- advocate, blogger and mother to a gifted 9 year old daughter.
https://t.co/c2cVG8iUw6
I'm Rachel Smith, a profoundly gifted academy teacher and Mom of profoundly gifted kid. From Dallas/Ft. Worth
I am Melissa, I am from Katy TX. I grew up a gifted child and have a gifted child at home. I am also a GT 7th grade science teacher.
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!
Michaela Estes from WA state. Mom to an EG/PG 5-year-old son.
Hi. Gail Post here. Psychologist, mom of college student and college grad, blogger
Hi, all! Lisa from Chicago, instructional coach specializing in differentiation, former gifted teacher. Mainly lurking for insight.
Question 1 is coming up; let’s get started!
Melynda from TX, interventionist & mom to at least one GT kid.
A1) I was surprised early-on by the nature of comments, questions & concerns coming from children so young.
A1) Intense, heated, impassioned, questioning, opinionated
anything and everything will join the table ;)
Our gets impassioned we all have strong opinions. It is hard to back down when u r GT. https://t.co/z6qZtCedY8
A1) Intense, heated, impassioned, questioning, opinionated
A1 Discussions about books, politics, world views...
A1) For better or worse, conversations were highly opinionated & rather tense at times. GT kids don’t always agree w/parents.
A1) Lunch today was DS5 asking me 2 quiz him on countries. He always found them quicker than I did. There was some food involved. :/
A)1 Outside the box questions and deep thoughts. Discussion about local and national events. Never a dull moment.
Hello. Nicole Shannon - newly changed to new job working with GT in Hutto ISD!
we do have great convers about everything my kids love to talk & share ideas esp science https://t.co/xCUrKsi5lo
anything and everything will join the table ;)
Q2) How do differing abilities shape family dynamics; i.e., profoundly gifted/gifted/twice exceptional? https://t.co/VOd2HgdE76
A1) And lots of random facts. 😉
Joining for the first time from Okla😀
<-- Advisor! Welcome, Nicole!
A1 Parents can set the tone for how open children can be - and can encourage expressions of their curiosity
Best part is the question "what did you do at school today?" Never goes "? Nothing " but lengthy discussions.
A2) Often the gifted child requires an extraordinary amount of the parents’ time leaving other family members feeling neglected.
A2 Sets the emotional tone, intensity of the discussion
A2) I Think they require more energy, patience and energy which can leave parents exhausted.
A2) With so many highly sensitive & highly intelligent people in the same household ~ life gets interesting
A2 often there is arg with my kids b/c my gifted son outsmarts the others. Struggle for dominance. https://t.co/QkrKptopnn
Q2) How do differing abilities shape family dynamics; i.e., profoundly gifted/gifted/twice exceptional? https://t.co/VOd2HgdE76
A1: lots of correcting parents' grammar and pronounciation!
A2) Personally, I find the asynchronous part the most challenging. Reminding myself "he's only 5"
Yes sometimes. My little one too just tested GT he is in 1st grade and chall him can be diff. https://t.co/YvebVMD6B6
A2) Often the gifted child requires an extraordinary amount of the parents’ time leaving other family members feeling neglected.
Q3) What effects do raising gifted children have on parents;marital relationships/ increased fin burdens? https://t.co/GKqbJDbGcN
Yes definitely with my 8th grader. https://t.co/nYbXs20NWG
A1: lots of correcting parents' grammar and pronounciation!
a2) The extrovert that needs constant interaction either with tech or people drives the introvert deeper into herself.
Managing Life with a Challenging Child: What to Do When Your Gifted but Difficult Child is Driving You Crazy https://t.co/ceKJvvgoGc
A3 I am lucky my husband chose to stay home so he can focus on our kids. But it is a lot of work. https://t.co/PJVlwwRPF6
Q3) What effects do raising gifted children have on parents;marital relationships/ increased fin burdens? https://t.co/GKqbJDbGcN
A3) When parents have a deep understanding of giftedness & are on the same page, life is good.
A3) Can create stress but also bring you closer - you both share understanding/appreciation of child's abilities others don't see
A3) I always say age 3 about killed us. So hard for hubby and I. We have decided to only have one. Very challenging, but wonderful.
A3) it's all good and worth it as long as they appreciate the education, don't put us in the nursing home 1 day!
a3) Ensuring kids needs are met is expensive - either activities (for driven introvert) or counseling for or educ needs
A3) Financial burdens can be significant for outside enrichment, early arrival of college, or homeschooling.
A3) Lots of money spent on trips and opportunities for kiddo's interests. Thankful he's an only in that regard.
A3) Definitely financial burdens - and question/guilt about not doing more to enroll/challenge/create opportunities
I thought '3' was the magical age - no more terrible 2s. Boy, was I wrong!
A lot of science and math camps. I have six competitions I mentor with my science students. https://t.co/zmdqUgyVdR
a3) Ensuring kids needs are met is expensive - either activities (for driven introvert) or counseling for or educ needs
A3 My GT kid wants to try/compete in everything.Too easy to get swept up into a whirlwind of overextension in the name of enrichment
a3) Parents often need to divide & conquer to best meet individual needs. When both parents on board, journey is tough & rewarding!
A3) Can feel isolated from other parents who don't understand giftedness
A3) Homeschooling to meet needs. 😳 Takes a lot of time and energy and money from both of us.
Mine don't want anything academic outside of school- outdoor ed / art / music / sports outside, acceleration inside
I agree, I have to limit the amount of comp a student can do. They want to do them all. To much pressure.
Especially for those in rural areas and small towns. https://t.co/3rsVOlL86u
A3) Can feel isolated from other parents who don't understand giftedness
A3) R double trouble AND twice as nice!
We’re already half way through our chat! Thanks for all the great sharing!
Mine are band and soccer and science Olympiad it's very busy.
Q4) How are young gifted children affected when they begin to experience life outside the family? https://t.co/gMSe1Jw2W4
We had a couple years with robotics but once "mastered" mine wanted to move on... Science Olympiad sounds fabulous!
A4 My son has a difficult time making friends. He can be pushy & a bit arrogant working on that- he is 6. https://t.co/iTeg92nrSb
Q4) How are young gifted children affected when they begin to experience life outside the family? https://t.co/gMSe1Jw2W4
A4) That is a very good question. I wish there was a manual or book on how to teach them to co exist.
A4) It can be difficult to understand life that lacks intellectual stimulation at the same level found at home on an ongoing basis.
It is. And Academic Decathlon too. many of my GT students I put on an Academic Quiz bowl team. https://t.co/eRgFxGOOyp
We had a couple years with robotics but once "mastered" mine wanted to move on... Science Olympiad sounds fabulous!
I work as a Principal with the Gifted program...I see many Ss that tell me that want more free time in their evenings
A4) Intelligence alone cannot presuppose social-emotional stamina before it’s developed in a young child.
a3) Parents who recognize/research have better chance of embracing &
supporting - many unsupported gifted kids are at risk!
A4) some issues might seem more prevalent, like sensory integration, sensitivities
When my kids were in school, there was never a break ... sports, band, acad comp, clubs ... on and on.
A4) thankful DS5 has been happy in preschool (Montessori). Made lots of friends. Did tell me he was bored 4 out of 6 hours a day...
I work with many Ss that would benefit greatly from TEAM sports/activities where they can practice pro-social skills
Nothing worse as a tchr then seeing Ss like this A student centered classroom is best & inquiry https://t.co/lIxoJ6pPaE
I don't want my kids to compete in any competitions also no competitive sports. Yoga and martial arts are noncompetitive.
Flexible schedules, alt. ed, and tiny schools can help gifted students not feel overwhelmed.
A4) For some there is frustration, but for others, their curiosity, love of learning keeps them oblivious until a bit older
I have a blended classroom & give no GE. My school is no HW Tuesdays now too.
but kids CAN have a break outside of the instructional day - in social situations - playing games - fun interactive time
A4) Once they get into elementary school, peer issues can be a shock/disheartening/isolating
Absolutely. DS wouldn't have finished school w/o sports.
A4) When they start talking to their friends about higher level things and the parents aren't happy about it, it becomes hard. 😳
Stiffling curriculum and a lot of innovation can lead to frustration.
A4 Of course, many GT kids have adult/child boundaries blurred; believe they can speak to adults, like Ts, like their peers.
a4) One needed older peers/adults to have appropriate stimulation. When one is PG, it is harder to find the right fit.
That is why our sch went no HW Tuesdays to encourage social activities- go to games & concerts etc.
I agree my GT students know no boundaries they ask & tell me just about anything. https://t.co/KMCrmTqqju
A4 Of course, many GT kids have adult/child boundaries blurred; believe they can speak to adults, like Ts, like their peers.
- in our board - homework is 10 mins per grade (6th grade - max = 60 mins of HW a night)
martial arts is also a great child development option
A5) Educating and advocating.
A5) Become skilled in the art of explaining asynchrony, neurodiversity, and soc/emotional differences
A5-GT Ss thrive on chall & rigor and Ps are there to help guide them & focus them. Ps only want what's best. https://t.co/6RyQlyzbgy
A5) Education, information, documentation. Many people have no idea the extent to which giftedness affects a child.
I can't agree w this article more RT : Challenges Faced by "Gifted Learners" in School & Beyond https://t.co/SzvYsVI3BR
A5 Being a GT tchr & p I see both sides. It's about love and doing what is best for the child. But it can seem like Ps pressure them
Sorry to be joining so late!! Great conversation as always! Love the topic, Lisa!!
<--- Advisor! Welcome, Tracy!
A5) Choosing words wisely and reading a social situation carefully can reduce criticism from other parents.
A5) Modeling by asking for space for yourself as a gifted parent
A5) Finding a 'tribe' of people that understand can make all the difference in the world.
A5) As a parent = supporting the VOICE and the CHOICE of your child as their #1 supporter
A5) careful who I share info with. Although lately, I just don't care. My son is who he is. That doesn't speak much to educating tho
So true and critical!! https://t.co/iKcISqa04a
A5) Finding a 'tribe' of people that understand can make all the difference in the world.
A5) As a parent = supporting the VOICE and the CHOICE of your child as their #1 supporter
This is true for all parents but a MUST for parents of GT! https://t.co/hie7T2eUnt
A5) As a parent = supporting the VOICE and the CHOICE of your child as their #1 supporter
A6) One of the best-known organizations for supporting parents is started by Dr. James Webb.
A6 From Ts especially GT Ts Coordinators of science teams, sch Counselors, parents of other gifted children. https://t.co/BTROomS1kF
A6) Found a wonderful psychotherapist with 30 years experience with gifted kids. Davidson Institute. SENG.
A6) local parent advocacy groups, online groups, conferences, finding parents where kids share similar passion/interests
A6) Parents should look to state gifted organizations who can provide more localized resources for individuals.
A6) On the national level, there is (US), (UK), ECHA (EU), & international
A6) , , , , so many resources on FB and Twitter to learn from!
Q6 - Parent Support Groups are invaluable! They understand! In Texas, there are several via
There are a growing amount of families who are developing their own microschools. See https://t.co/qjDi5CKc5V for a few examples.
Thank you for a great conversations. Many great sources and ideas were shared.
And if there isn't one in your area - start one! I did! https://t.co/NrXSeECpQb
Q6 - Parent Support Groups are invaluable! They understand! In Texas, there are several via
We’re nearing the end of today … final thoughts/takeaways?
Completely agree. Start one
Thank you for hosting the chat tonight. As always it was insightful for me as a parent & teacher.
This will be archived at & the link will be shared via later today
Thank you, Lisa. Always insightful and useful
Thanks to the extraordinary staff for their awesome support; we couldn’t do it without them!
Thanks to the Advisory Board:
Be sure to follow some of the new friends you met here today at to continue the convo!
A6) There are several local gifted associations that you can join.
Our next chat will be on Tues Aug 30th at 8E/7C/6M/5P (US)/Wed 31st Aug at 1AM (UK)/12.00 NZST/10.00 AEST
A6) working as partners in education with your childs school - teachers & admin through IST mtgs and ongoing convo
Our topic will be “Creating Opportunities for Creativity” w/guests Dr Rick & Patti Shade of https://t.co/PKiUjj8IMD
