Parent enrichment related to gifted kids...need some ideas for a group setting

[kbutton]

My children attend a Saturday program during the school year that offers enrichment classes for gifted kids. They are 2e and moderately gifted. The overall group is diverse. The program features free parent enrichment as well--speakers come and share about topics related to educating gifted kids. Each session is about 1.5 hours while the kids are busy in their classes. If you had access to a program like this, what kinds of things would you want to hear about and from whom (types of speakers, such as school gifted program coordinators, gifted advocates for the state, etc.)?

 

We have some speakers that come each year and others that do not. We have book fairs, book exchange opportunities, panel discussions about schooling options and summer programs for gifted youth, and so on in addition to the speakers. The speakers receive a very small reimbursement for gas money and parent handouts, but it's more of a courtesy than an incentive. Speakers are definitely donating their time and expertise.

 

One recurring theme is executive functioning--we seem to never run short of requests for people to address that topic.

[EndOfOrdinary]

Ways to address perfectionism, anxiety, and the resulting negative self image are some of the biggest factors in my parenting world.

 

As a parent, it would be interesting to hear of ways to navigate the social and competitive dynamics of interacting with "normal" or nuerotypical (I don't know which word to use; both those terms seem loaded) parents. Something about the isolation or ways to negotiate the isolation of gifted parenting. This is the only place I really have to discuss my son's milestones or to figure out if he is being age appropriate. He finally started getting dressed (even just in pajamas) in the morning. I am so excited. Serious victory! Can't really mention that anywhere without people rolling eyes and saying, "I thought was the smart kid?"

[Dmmetler]

Finding mentors and support for your child AND you. I'm pretty convinced that parents of GT kids and GT kids need

 

1) Safe places/people to vent to who understand and don't try to solve the problem, just give and support

 

2) people farther along the road who can give advice and are a little more removed-who aren't always supportive, but know what they're doing

 

3) true peers with which you are "normal" in that area-usually interest focused.

 

We work a lot on finding these for our kids-sometimes we miss finding them for ourselves.

[kbutton]

We are not receiving a lot of feedback from parents about topics at this point, but all of these suggestions have been a hit with the board of trustees for the organization. Now to recruit speakers...thank you both!