S4.9.8 Parenting for High Potential: Essential Caregiving Strategies for Nurturing the Whole Gifted Child

Effective parenting and caregiving for gifted and talented children far exceeds meeting just their academic needs. Gifted individuals reach their full potential when there is an understanding and nurturing of the whole gifted child including their emotional, social, physical, and academic identities. Topics in this presentation cover Sayler’s model of Gifted and Thriving as one framework for research and holistic development; friendship and character development for the gifted; practical approaches and strategies related to parenting; strategies to enhance relationships and the spiritual dimension; resources; and strategies beyond the classroom such as enrichment, the arts, clubs, family, parent groups, and advocacy.

Author(s):

Janette Boazman
jboazman@udallas.edu
University of Dallas
United States

Janette Boazman, Ph.D., is an associate professor of education at the University of Dallas and is active in leadership within the Parent and Community Network and the Parent Editorial and Content Advisory Board within NAGC. Janette has authored books, several articles, and has made numerous presentations centering on the needs of high ability learners at the state, national, and international level. Her work focuses on the academic and psychological factors that lead to academic and career success, and to the personal well-being of the gifted and talented in K-12 schools, college, and across the lifespan.

Tracy Inman
tracy.inman@wku.edu
University of Western Kentucky
United States

Tracy Ford Inman, Ed. D., is associate director of The Center for Gifted Studies at Western Kentucky University and active on the state, national, and international levels in gifted education. In addition to writing and co-writing several articles and chapters, Tracy has co-authored and co-edited several books focusing on differentiation, parenting gifted children, gifted education, and product development, four winning TAGT Legacy Book Awards. She serves as parent representative on the board of the National Association for Gifted Children and treasurer of The Association for the Gifted Board, a division of CEC. She is past-president of her state gifted association.

Michele Kane
m-kane1@neiu.edu
Northeastern University
United States

Michele Kane, Ed.D., is a professor, coordinator of the Master of Arts in Gifted Education program at Northeastern Illinois University, and the SENG 2018 Educator of the Year. She has been an advocate for the gifted for more than 25 years and presents at state, national, and international conferences. Michele is a contributing author to Off the Charts, Giftedness and Creativity, and Living with Intensity. Her most recent book, Planting Seeds of Mindfulness, co-authored with Dorothy Sisk, was released in 2018. Inspired by her six gifted children, Michele’s interest remains on the social, emotional, and spiritual needs of gifted children.

Kathy Nilles
knilles@NAGC.org
NAGC
United States

A parent and passionate advocate for high-ability children, Kathleen Nilles is well-versed on the needs of gifted children on a worldwide and local basis. For NAGC, she serves as the contact for “all things parent-related,” including as editor of Parenting for High Potential magazine. Kathleen often presents at national and state gifted conferences, is a frequent workshop facilitator for parents of gifted children, and co-producer of the film, “Through Gifted Eyes.” She holds a master’s degree in gifted education from Northeastern Illinois University.