Concerns of Parents of Gifted Children: A Research Review

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the research on the problems and concerns of parents, of gifted and talented children. Six key areas are highlighted: family roles and adaptations, sibling relationships, parental self concept, neighborhood and community issues; educational issues, and development of the child. Sugggestions are given for the use of these areas as a framework for future educational and counseling efforts. &dquo;How many hopes and fears, how many ardent wishes and anxious apprehensions are twisted together in the threads that connect the parent with the child?&dquo;

"If you talk, you are just talking. If I talk is that bragging?" Perspectives of Parents with Young Gifted Children in New Zealand.

“…However, the literature also describes that parents of gifted children are often "left alone" in their parenting; the parents often feel they are unable to talk freely about their gifted children to friends or family members because this group of people do not understand about rearing a gifted child (Adler, 2006;Alsop, 1997;Delisle, 2001;Morawska & Sanders, 2008;Silverman & Golon, 2008). In addition parents may experience pressure and stress or feel uncomfortable when others probed and make judgements about their children's level of giftedness (Eris, Seyfi & Hanoz, 2008;Keirouz, 1990). Research suggests that families of gifted children function best when parents engage with other parents of gifted children who have experienced what they have experienced in their parenting (Adler, 2006;Alsop, 1997;Morawska & Sander, 2008, 2009).…”

Parent attitudes on the importance and success of integrated self‐contained services for students who are gifted, learning disabled, and gifted/learning disabled

“…ASSETS can be considered a special school (Borland, 1989) with some degree of mixture of students during certain periods (e.g., enrichment courses). The overall school philosophy is based on the concept of integrating services to meet individualized student needs (Hishinuma, 1991) and was generally consistent with other educational approaches described in the literature (e.g., Baum, Owen, & Dixon, 1991;Bees, 1998;Bireley, 1995;Davis & Rimm, 1989;Fox, Brody, & Tobin, 1983;Keirouz, 1990;Orton Dyslexia Society, 1997;Robinson, 1999;Supplée, 1990;Whitmore, 1980). The institution is located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.…”

World Council for Gifted and Talented Children

“…In Keirouz's (1990) analysis of literature on concerns of gifted parents family roles, parental self-concept, family adaptations, neighborhood and community issues, and educational concerns were identified as the main areas. The findings from this research concentrate around educational system concerns, teacher-related concerns, neighborhood and community concerns and parental self-concerns.…”