Date: 2024
Conference/Publication: Paper Presented at International Conference on Gifted Education (ICGE-2024)
Presenters/Authors: Sanjita Prasad, Dr. Sameena Manasawala, Darshita Mehta
Abstract
Raising a gifted or talented child brings both joy and unique challenges for parents. Gifted children, distinguished by their advanced intellectual abilities, intense curiosity, and emotional depth, often navigate the world where they may feel out of sync with their needs. Parents are usually first to recognize and champion their child’s giftedness, yet they face significant challenges in addressing their child’s social, emotional, and behavioural needs (Papadopoulos, 2021). This study explores gifted children’s parents’ experiences and concerns through their participation in parent support groups (PSG). The sample included parents of gifted children aged 5 to 25 years. Thematic analysis of sixteen PSG meetings facilitated by experts revealed five themes: high sensitivity, school and academics, parenting-related doubts and concerns, dynamic interests, and peer relationships. Results highlighted recurring concerns, collective solutions, and support parents received from the group. This study emphasizes the pivotal role of PSGs in fostering a sense of belonging, sharing resources, and addressing misconceptions about giftedness. These findings can be used to develop a template for conducting PSGs that address the specific support needed and challenges faced by parents of gifted children.
Prasad, S., Manasawala, S., & Mehta, D. (2024). Navigating Giftedness: Parental Challenges and Collective Solutions. Desai, D., Watve, S., Hapse, K., Roy, P., Gokhale, M. & Jagtap, P. (Eds), International Conference on Gifted Education (234-245). Kannada Sangha.
