A Bill of Rights for Parents of Gifted Children
by Amy Brim
Parents of gifted children have a right to…
- Patience and understanding on the part of friends, family, and educators with the unique parenting required for raising gifted children
- Not be accused of bragging when you share your child’s achievements because it doesn’t always come easily, even to the gifted
- Get support in the educational setting for your child’s needs, even if the child is passing the state tests
- Have your child’s exceptionalities accurately diagnosed and served
- Educational and mental health professionals who understand and are effectively trained in giftedness
- Not be the only person who is determined to make sure your child has the time & materials to explore his or her gifts fully
- Choose the best educational environment for your child without judgment from others, even if the best environment is home
- Expect your child to be physically, emotionally, and cognitively safe at school and social situations
- Allow your child to not always have to be successful
- Celebrate your child’s gifts without apology, hesitation, or fear
- Advocate to have curriculum topics and learning tasks adjusted to ensure a challenging learning experience with curriculum compacting
- Advocate for the school to provide enrichment and extension opportunities driven by student interest and passion.
- Advocate for the promotion of higher order thinking, problem solving, creativity, and autonomous learning.
- Advocate for the school to take into account your child’s social, emotional, cultural, and economic background.
- Support your child in learning with a growth mindset; skills and intellect can be developed through practice, perseverance, and passion.
Advocate that your child needs something different and has the right to learn something new every day!