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Page 1 of 3 Parents of bright children have shared the following suggestions that others who are parenting bright children may find helpful. (Most of them are of value for all children.)
Parent to Parent:
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Your child is a child first, and bright, gifted or talented second. Show her that you love her for her own sake and not simply for her achievements.
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Expect behaviour appropriate to his age. Set reasonable standards and expect him to meet them. Being bright is not an excuse for unacceptable behaviour.
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Don't make an exhibition of your child. On the other hand, don't neglect to stimulate and widen your child's mind. Encouragement is not "pushing". He will quickly let you know if he is not ready for, or not interested in, an activity. (He may be ready and interested another day, another month, another year, or not at all.)
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Don't compare your child to her sisters or brothers or peers. All children are unique in their own ways.
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Use her questions and expressions of interest to guide her learning and exploration.
There is much you can do:
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Help her choose worthwhile books and television programs
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Take him on trips to the library, museums, fire stations, concerts, conservation areas, and other places of interest
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Enable him to join in any children's activities run by your local ABC chapter or other community groups
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Let her share some of your hobbies and interests
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Take part in her interests
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Supply him with a place to work and materials
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Encourage original work (her own stories, pictures, buildings, experiments); materials need not be elaborate or expensive
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Display his products
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Read to her, preferably every day; even children who are fluent readers enjoy being read to
See next page for More Parenting Tips
See page 3 for information about Parent Participation in Education
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