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.
Welcome to Global Gifted and Talented Chat Powered by the Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented @TXGifted#TAGT ~ Thanks for joining us to chat about “Best Tips for Parents of a GT Child” #gtchat
I’m Lisa Conrad ~ moderator, advocate for gifted children, conference presenter, blogger and parent of 2 gifted adults from Pittsburgh, PA. Please take a minute to let us know who you are and from where you’re tweeting! #gtchat
Hi! I'm Chris Wells, researcher at the Gifted Development Center in Westminster, CO, and mom to a 12 year old twice-exceptional son. Glad to be here tonight! #gtchat
Hi! I'm Chris Wells, researcher at the Gifted Development Center in Westminster, CO, and mom to a 12 year old twice-exceptional son. Glad to be here tonight! #gtchat
Are you new to Twitter chats? We use the Q1/A1 format for #gtchat … Please remember to use the #gtchat hashtag to participate in the conversation. This will make sure that other chat participants see your tweets.
Kate from Toronto. Mom of 4 2e/gifted kiddos and coach to smart adults and parents of smart and quirky kids - with particular passions around emotional regulation, leadership, healthy relationships, and thriving with intensity! #gtchat
Kate from Toronto. Mom of 4 2e/gifted kiddos and coach to smart adults and parents of smart and quirky kids - with particular passions around emotional regulation, leadership, healthy relationships, and thriving with intensity! #gtchat
Lurking to learn? Please say ‘hi’ and then view a livestream from Participate Learning at https://t.co/1zR97oWQw0 (Please Note: This service will be ending February 25th!) #gtchat
Hi! I’m Dani, a third grade teacher in North Texas, with several GT students in my class! Excited to learn tonight how to better connect with the parents of my GT students! #GTchat
Our first question is coming up; let’s get ready to chat! Please preface your responses with A1 Excited to collaborate and share ideas with you today about best tips for parents of a GT child. #gtchat
Hi! I’m Dani, a third grade teacher in North Texas, with several GT students in my class! Excited to learn tonight how to better connect with the parents of my GT students! #GTchat
A1 There are many more online spaces for parents to connect, which undoubtedly has helped parents of gifted children feel less isolated. For instance, Facebook groups can be a great way to connect with other parents who get it. #gtchat
A1) The move to full inclusion works against gifted kids. All other populations seem to do as well as or better in inclusion, but not gifted kids. #gtchat
CH in gr. 6 has been so helpful and welcoming to a new classmate. He also volunteers to pull younger Ss on the sleds at recess. Glad to give his mom the #GoodNewsCalloftheDay!
A1) How everything had changed!! There must be more tricks out there to keep them highly engaged and motivated. I also think the social-emotional had his then harder/earlier as of late.#UMEdTech#gtchat
A1 Parenting and specifically parenting gifted children has changed dramatically over the past several decades due to the resources and camaraderie afforded by social media. #gtchat
A1) Yes, 20 yrs ago the school reached out to me before kids were in school. For my youngest, looking for opps to get him the education he needs falls on me #gtchat
A1 I'm smack in the middle of that range. Finding resources & other parents is easier, because internet & LOUD VOICES like #gtchat. Beyond that? The ed system hasn't changed, it's actually gotten worse. But #homeschooling is easier, bc internet.
A1 Online groups provide a sense of community for parents of gifted kids who were once separated both geographically as well as socially. Today parents don’t have to make the journey alone. #gtchat
A1. More awareness now, more opportunities for parents to learn and share. But our school systems seem less accepting of difference, less likely to embrace multiple ways to succeed. #gtchat
#GTchat Q1|A1 People, parents & teachers, used to think that GT kids just needed more work & difficult problems. Now we know that these children need to make cross-curricular connections, apply learning to real life, find creative solutions, extend their thinking, & more!
A1 In recent years, parents have also benefited by learning about ways to get together in real life at conferences and regional meetups that were once unknown. #gtchat
A1 When we were first thrown into the #gifted deep end, I GOOGLED for help. Luckily found @GiftedDevCenter. I didn't know what I didn't know. I think it's easier for parents now to find info. #gtchat
A1 Parents can also access much needed information and advice on their own schedule. The convenience of online resources available 24/7 cannot be overlooked. #gtchat
A2 My best, & hard-earned, advice is to work WITH the kid. Do NOT push or drag him/her. Walk hand in hand. Point out the demons in the shadows & talk about solutions. They are freaking brilliant kids; they'll see the issues & come up w/incredible solutions. #gtchat
A2) See them as the experts in their own lives and walk beside them. Celebrate the good stuff, validate their experience with tough emotions, reflect back to them what you see.#gtchat
But not all of it valid or worthy, if that makes sense. Depends what you're looking for. I just needed to know someone had survived the hellstorm I was in. #gtchat
A2 My best, & hard-earned, advice is to work WITH the kid. Do NOT push or drag him/her. Walk hand in hand. Point out the demons in the shadows & talk about solutions. They are freaking brilliant kids; they'll see the issues & come up w/incredible solutions. #gtchat
A2) I really feel that keeping that open line of communication is so important. Being transparent with kiddos & remembering they're not gifted at everything! #gtchat#UMEdTech
A2 Parenting is often based on one’s own life experiences, but the challenges of life in today’s world can be very different than they were a generation ago. Parents should seek out current advice whenever possible. #gtchat
A2) Lots of talking and letting them lead the research on how we get though the transition together. Everything is "all hands on deck" at our house. #gtchat
A1 The most critical way that parents help their gifted children is with their loving attention, encouragement, and support. This is the foundation for everything else. #gtchat
A2 Parenting is often based on one’s own life experiences, but the challenges of life in today’s world can be very different than they were a generation ago. Parents should seek out current advice whenever possible. #gtchat
A2 The role of asynchronous development can’t be minimized when dealing with life’s big transitions. It differentiates the experiences most gifted children face when transitioning to new educational experiences and meeting life’s milestones. #gtchat
A2) Give them information and mantras. Examples: emotions last ~90 seconds if you just let them pass through you; courage feels like fear and looks like action. #gtchat
A2 Parents should build a strong emotional bond with their gifted children early in life and consider themselves as partners in the transition process. Each child is an individual with unique attributes and challenges which play a role in that process. #gtchat
Twice-Exceptional College Students Identified as Gifted and Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Comparative Case Study (pdf) https://t.co/mNCHD2TZ5T#gtchat
Scaffolding, and giving them a safe space to be their own quirky selves. Particularly important for #2e kids with social #disability like mine. Not everyone wants to debate singularity physics! #gtchat
A2 Early in life don't be over protective or controlling. That way the child learns to make decisions, and if necessary reassess and retrace their decisions from an early age. Getting it right the first time really is not that important. #GTChat
-A2) One of my favourite tips when the future seems too far away and the transition feels unmanageable is ask: How do you want to feel instead of how you feel now? What one thing can you do right now to get closer to that feeling? #gtchat
A2: Selective media is good for opening dialgue--#bibliotherapy, movies with characters with similar wants/needs/emotions/dilemmas. We always had good chats with our son during good old DreamWorks movies. #gtchat
A2 Parents should build a strong emotional bond with their gifted children early in life and consider themselves as partners in the transition process. Each child is an individual with unique attributes and challenges which play a role in that process. #gtchat
#GTchat Q2|A1 Let your GT child look at a life transition from all angles. Encourage them to see all possible solutions. Be there for them as a guide and a sounding board, but don’t make life decisions for them. Let them choose the decision that’s best for them.
A2: Selective media is good for opening dialgue--#bibliotherapy, movies with characters with similar wants/needs/emotions/dilemmas. We always had good chats with our son during good old DreamWorks movies. #gtchat
A2 I tried to ease transitions by staying connected with them. Know their triggers and their soothers. Maintain open and calm communications. Let them feel secure in their own sometimes flailing emotions. #GTChat
Well, anicdotal evidence, but I was withdrawn and disengaged early on because I was bored and disinterested. It wasn't lack of ability, but lack of interest and engagement. #GTChat
A3 If you think you have #2ekids, first...here, have some wine. ;) I kid, but also, welcome to our leaky boat. We're here for you. It's hard but worth it bc the successes are THAT much sweeter, you have no idea. #gtchat
A3) Take a deep breath. Double down on self-care. Embrace curiosity. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Put on your oxygen mask. Be patient with getting information and assessments. It takes time and you aren't breaking your child by taking time.#gtchat
A2 Parents should build a strong emotional bond with their gifted children early in life and consider themselves as partners in the transition process. Each child is an individual with unique attributes and challenges which play a role in that process. #gtchat
A3 Find others in that boat, they have incredible experience & they WILL SHARE. Start to gather a posse of drs, counselors, therapists, babysitters. Your kid IS NOT BROKEN, just wired differently than 99% of the world. YOU GOT THIS. #gtchat
A3 A twice-exceptional child will exhibit both abilities and disabilities; strengths and weaknesses at the same time. It is easy for even professionals to misdiagnose these kids. Parents should seek help from those familiar with giftedness. #gtchat
A3 If you even wonder if you have a 2e child, it is time to seek out a professional who has experience with 2e kids for an evaluation and support. #gtchat
A3) Once again, open lines of communication! Discussing concerns with classroom teachers, gt specialists, and the child. Outside services are attests an option as well. Be an advocate for your child! #gtchat#UMEdTech
A3 Understanding the needs of twice-exceptional children is a necessary step toward being successful in life. Parents are the first and best advocates. Knowledge about twice-exceptionalism is a powerful tool. #gtchat
We are already half way through our chat! Thank you for sharing so many inspiring thoughts about best tips for parents of a GT child! Please remember to use the #gtchat hashtag to participate in the conversation. #gtchat
Find a professional who knows #gifted + #disability and get a full assessment! Reach out to #gifted orgs - they have resources. Be aware the process is not easy, and it may take more than one try to figure out what is going on #gtchat
Yes! Like rolling a huge stone, it should pretty much go on its own, maybe an occasional nudge. But you should not have to put your back into, that generally leads to a lot of pain later. #gtchat
A3) And remember that THIS kid is unlike any kid even the experts have seen in ways that matter. Advice that you can't implement with THIS kid in THIS school and THIS family has to be discarded - but the underlying theory might be useful to keep for understanding. #gtchat
A3 A twice-exceptional child will exhibit both abilities and disabilities; strengths and weaknesses at the same time. It is easy for even professionals to misdiagnose these kids. Parents should seek help from those familiar with giftedness. #gtchat
A3) Take a deep breath. Double down on self-care. Embrace curiosity. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Put on your oxygen mask. Be patient with getting information and assessments. It takes time and you aren't breaking your child by taking time.#gtchat
Although, a lot of what we discuss is applicable to most children and students. Indeed, we can have the discussion of whether a rich home environment early in life can be the cause of the gifted student.... Now that would be fun. #GTChat
A3 As a parent of older child, be aware they learn to mask well and the 2E may appear to others to not exist. It does! The steps I take are to stay aware and don’t assume struggles are less or not there. #GTChat
A3) And remember that THIS kid is unlike any kid even the experts have seen in ways that matter. Advice that you can't implement with THIS kid in THIS school and THIS family has to be discarded - but the underlying theory might be useful to keep for understanding. #gtchat
A3 A twice-exceptional child will exhibit both abilities and disabilities; strengths and weaknesses at the same time. It is easy for even professionals to misdiagnose these kids. Parents should seek help from those familiar with giftedness. #gtchat
A3 I've known parents of ##2e kids who struggle to find the write educational atmosphere for their children. Explore types of educational settings. #gtchat
A3 Twice-exceptionality is a challenge, but not a roadblock. Once accommodated, 2e kids can lead productive and successful lives. Being proactive in diagnosis and seeking help is the first step. #gtchat
A3) Take a deep breath. Double down on self-care. Embrace curiosity. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Put on your oxygen mask. Be patient with getting information and assessments. It takes time and you aren't breaking your child by taking time.#gtchat
A3 Twice-exceptionality is a challenge, but not a roadblock. Once accommodated, 2e kids can lead productive and successful lives. Being proactive in diagnosis and seeking help is the first step. #gtchat
I read something the other day, not sure where so you may have seen it! But if something is worth doing it's worth doing poorly too! Doing a 20% job is way better than a 0 % job. If you let yourself rest or say no when you must, then later it will be easier to give more. #gtchat
A3) When you can get a 2e kid's strengths helping you all deal with their challenges, progress can happen fast and produce quirky and wonderful lives. But those logic circuits take time to develop. #gtchat
A4 When parents need the help. I'm a HUGE proponent of parents getting help for THEMSELVES. Oxygen mask first, that sort of thing. Then reach out for additional help as needed. #gtchat
A4: Maybe I'm alone in this, but I think as soon as you start to worry. Like I said, my youngest is getting a ton of help for PT (double jointed) OT (stemming from the same) and speech (separate) but has been "part of" getting help since she was 4! #gtchat
A4 Parents should seek professional advice within that first hour they think their child might be gifted. Finding a mental health professional who understands gifted kids is critical. #gtchat
Do you know my kids? How they react in a situation that's entirely different from any other #2ekids? Why would you discount the experience I have? That's my exact point. #gtchat
A4 When children enter the school system, parents are often guided to seek professional help regarding concerns they might not see in a home setting. #gtchat
A4: Maybe I'm alone in this, but I think as soon as you start to worry. Like I said, my youngest is getting a ton of help for PT (double jointed) OT (stemming from the same) and speech (separate) but has been "part of" getting help since she was 4! #gtchat
A4) When you feel overwhelmed and know you have exhausted your resources, know there are people out there to support you and your child. #UMEdTech#gtchat
#GTchat Q3|A1 If you think your child might be 2e, research what this means. Talk to other parents of 2e children. Don’t listen to negative people who see this as a disadvantage. Look for the positives. Appreciate all aspects of your child...
A4 If parents see sudden changes in behavior, a decline in school work, or issues with interpersonal relationships between their child and others; they should seek professional intervention. #gtchat
A4) If teachers talk about your child being lazy - kids aren't lazy unless laziness meets a need. If you see signs of depression or anxiety that don't respond to your attempts to help. #gtchat
A4 When it comes to depression and anxiety and mental health -- treat it, don't take unnecessary risks. Seek help when the problem first surfaces. #gtchat
A4 Generally, when talking full neuro-psych assessments, wait until you have a question that needs answers, or you need the bit of paper to get support. So many peeps think assessments will solve all their problems. But it is just the start of a long slog. #gtchat
such a balancing act! And what is right for one kid may not work for another. I like the term that @redwhiteandgrew used once: "Bespoke education" tailored decisions based on ALLLLL that comes along with your kid. #gtchat
#GTchat Q3|A2 Also, know that everyone has difficulties in life, & reinforce this to your 2e GT child. Being GT doesn’t mean that everything will come easy! It’s ok to struggle & make mistakes; this is where learning happens! Let your GT child know this applies to them too!
A4 Parents should seek professional advice within that first hour they think their child might be gifted. Finding a mental health professional who understands gifted kids is critical. #gtchat
I say this as a parent who has done this 4 times and counting for my #2e kids... and am still surprised with new medical quirks that keep popping up! #gtchat
make sure your child's teacher also appreciates your child... It's so crucial.. Reg Ed and GT Teacher's need that help for us to know your child best. I know I sure love my 2E students, but it took ME adjusting to some of the behaviors. #gtchat
If at all possible, go straight to a nueropsych evaluation so you understand both the strengths and weaknesses and how to specifically target those areas, rather than going down numerous rabbit trails.
And sometimes it is useful to check in with neurotypical development standards because sometimes we don't realize that we are just witnessing childhood. #gtchat
A4. Asking for help is something many of us should do more often. Our kids don't have to be perfect and neither do we. But don't look for help to "fix" your kid. Look for help to understand, support, accomodate... #gtchat
A5 Parents need to decide if they want to fight the schools' fight or if they would be better served using that energy to #homeschool. We went the 2nd route to no regrets. Our son is a different person for that decision. 1/2 #gtchat
A5 Although it shouldn’t be the case, parents often find themselves on the opposite side of educational priorities from their child’s school personnel. It’s important to document everything in writing. Know that the school will be doing the same. #gtchat
A5) Position yourself as on the same team as the school personnel trying to create a successful learning environment for your child. The alternatives make everything harder. #gtchat
A5 2/2 Instead, he's a senior & fairly confident in his life. AN Eagle Scout OMG!!!! :) We had to trust him & ourselves, and I'd do it all again if I had to (but please no, I'm tired). #gtchat
Hmmm, this is a tough question. How do you know? Perhaps being a bit cautious and seek profession advice for yourself rather than for the child. #GTChat
A5 It may not seem fair, but parents need to keep their cool when advocating on behalf of their child. Patience can be beneficial in getting the best educational placement as well as serving as a role model for their child. #gtchat
Completely agree! I am a teacher too, and know how important it is to have healthy, productive relationships with parents! They know their child best! Working together gives these students the best chance for success! #GTchat
Also, once there are multiple diagnoses - #disabilities + #gifted experts in one field are often ignorant of cross over characteristics in another. From experience, university /research hospitals usually do a better job for unusual kids too. #gtchat
A5 That’s a tough one because it depends on the unique needs of the child, and the services their school offers and the School’s philosophy regarding gifted education. #gtchat
A5 Know that they will exhaust you and work to *what feels like* wear you out so you just.....stop trying. Take breaks, be kind to yourself. Know that you may fail at it more than you succeed. It's all worth it. #GTChat
A5 There are many factors – positive and negative – weighed by a school district in providing services to an identified gifted child. Parents need to be aware of the school’s philosophy on GT education and the availability of resources. #gtchat
A5) Keep showing your face!!! Make sure you get all info regarding your child and have someone explain it all if you are unclear. Advocate and look for parenting groups in the area. #UMEdTech#gtchat
A5. You are your child's best advocate. Every child deserves to have their educational needs met. You'll catch more flies with honey: create allies! #gtchat
A5 There are many factors – positive and negative – weighed by a school district in providing services to an identified gifted child. Parents need to be aware of the school’s philosophy on GT education and the availability of resources. #gtchat
#GTchat Q4|A1 If your GT child shows sudden or extreme changes in their behavior, work ethic, etc. seek professional help. Don’t forget to include teachers too to get a more complete picture of what might be going on! :)
A5: My district does a lot of great things, but they have limited resources to handly somebody like my oldest. They do really thorough differentiation for EVERYONE and are great at support, but they don't "do" straight gifted ed in general. #gtchat
A5) Consider odd alternatives. For us, the social growth my son needed from the middle school years far outweighed what the school refused to teach him. We looked at homeschool, online TAG, multiple district enrollments. all on the table to get the best for all of him. #gtchat
A5: My district does a lot of great things, but they have limited resources to handly somebody like my oldest. They do really thorough differentiation for EVERYONE and are great at support, but they don't "do" straight gifted ed in general. #gtchat
A5: My district does a lot of great things, but they have limited resources to handly somebody like my oldest. They do really thorough differentiation for EVERYONE and are great at support, but they don't "do" straight gifted ed in general. #gtchat
A6: Breath, read @laughingatchaos book,, then read other books, and find people to talk to. There's a lot to take in. And it is NOT a call that screams "you're kid is so smart" but rather "huh, your kid learns differently" #gtchat
A6 Being the parent of a gifted child has its ups and downs, but things really do eventually work out. The ‘little lawyer’ in elementary school turned defiant teen in high school will one day be your best friend. #gtchat
A6 Find other parents of gifted kids and get connected with a community of people who understand. Trust your instincts and remember that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree! #gtchat
A6) If you always thought of your kid as "normal", there will probably be grief about any identification. That's normal. Even if you think gifted is a good thing or that the opportunities are good where you are. #gtchat
A6 Read and learn ALL that you can about giftedness. Access books, blogs, professional journals and websites. Consult with other parents. And consult with a mental health professional. Knowledge is the key. #gtchat
A6 Networking with other parents of gifted children is a great way to save your sanity, know that you aren’t alone, and provide for ‘strength in numbers’ when working with schools to provide the highest quality of education for your child. #gtchat
A5 Remember that there are many ways to educate kids. Keeping options open is vital. Also: fighting a school that won't help will drain you. Homeschooling can actually take less time than 'working' with schools. #gtchat
A6 Look, it'll never be easy, but it'll get easIER. Bc you'll get better & have stronger skills. These kids are freaking amazing. My sons gobsmack me on the regular & I am humbled to be their parent. This is good stuff. Just hard. And worth it. #gtchat
A6 Read and learn ALL that you can about giftedness. Access books, blogs, professional journals and websites. Consult with other parents. And consult with a mental health professional. Knowledge is the key. #gtchat
I mentioned it too. Having something that is compassionately humorous helps make things seem like they will be okay, because they really (almost always) WILL be okay! #gtchat
A5 Remember that there are many ways to educate kids. Keeping options open is vital. Also: fighting a school that won't help will drain you. Homeschooling can actually take less time than 'working' with schools. #gtchat
A6; Remember that things change quickly in the life of a GT child so don’t feel bad if you need to do an about face in your #educationplan. I learned from other parents to limit my plans to 6 months. #gtchat
Yes - absolutely. But be very aware of the impression you can give the child. Your getting a bit of help being a better parent might be easier for them to digest then their needing help. As long as that's actually a feasible path. #GTChat
My final thought is that parents gotta take care of themselves. Parenting #gifted & #2ekids is freaking exhausting & without conscious self-care they will crash & burn. ASK ME HOW I KNOW THIS! But these kids? Are so, so incredible. #gtchat
And I'm really not sure how to address that most of the time cause they don't do testing for the most part either. There is huge stock put in "meeting them where they are" but the 6 yr jumped 8 reading levels already this year because she's like my oldest and stop/starts. #gtchat
Our next chat will be on Thursday, February 28th at 8E/7C/6M/5P US and Friday, March 1st at 2PM NZDT/Noon AEDT/1AM UK. Our topic will be “Resources for GT Educators.” #gtchat
#GTchat Q5|A1 As a teacher, my best advice would be to look into the GT philosophy & programs held by the district. Meet with your child’s teacher. Try to find out what the difficulty is. Work as a partner with the teacher & school to advocate for your child.
