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Tips for G/T Parents:
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Allow increasing control in areas they are able to make
decisions. This fosters independence and self confidence.
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Allow choice when possible.
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Listen without offering criticism or solutions. Just listen.
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Provide opportunities for community service or action; this
allows them a sense of contribution.
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Promote social contact that is positive. Allow friends
according to interests.
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Praise for personal values you are trying to promote: hard
work, kindness, responsibility. Criticize privately.
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Promote the value of challenging work and appreciation of
school and learning.
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Teach good time management and organizational skills.
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Be alert to conflicts experienced between achieving and
belonging.
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Encourage positive relationships with other adults, e.g.
teachers, coaches, Scout leaders, other relatives, mentors.
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Model acceptance of mistakes.
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Pick your battles carefully. Think about what is important in
the long run.
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Model healthy habits of good eating, exercise, down time, and
relaxing pursuits.
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Stand together in promoting the importance of school, work,
effort, responsibility, and kindness; regardless of marital
issues, divorce, etc.
Avoid:
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Unrealistic expectations
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Praise for being the best, for being perfect, for being
brilliant
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Control or criticism over eating or weight
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Criticizing teachers and school in front of child; seek
solutions
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Praising for attractiveness, appeal to opposite gender, etc.
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Stereotyping by gender
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Criticism in front of others; comparison with other children
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Fixing them. They are not wrong, just different.
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Rescuing them from consequences or shielding them from
difficulties
Burney, V. & Speirs Neumeister, K. (2006).
Guiding Students with High Abilities: Social and Emotional
Considerations. Indiana Department of Education, Indianapolis,
IN
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