Giftedness is a phenomenon that occurs across all social classes and cultures and is observed in approximately 2–3% of children. Gifted children are characterised by above-average abilities in one or more areas such as language, mathematics, music or art — or sport. Yet although these abilities offer remarkable opportunities, parents and teachers often face particular challenges in accompanying and nurturing these children.
What is Giftedness?
Giftedness is defined not only by a high IQ of more than 130 points, but also by creative thinking, strong problem-solving ability and unusually intense and wide-ranging interests. These children often learn faster and more comprehensively than their peers and therefore make particular demands of their environment.
Challenges for Gifted Children
One of the biggest problems faced by gifted children is boredom. When the curriculum does not match their abilities, they can quickly lose interest. This can lead to under-stimulation, which may manifest as disengagement, disruption in class or even school refusal. Social interaction can also be a challenge, as peers may not share the same interests or level of intellectual understanding.
Supporting Gifted Children
Supporting gifted children requires an adapted approach that aims to recognise and foster their talents without socially isolating them. Unfortunately, at present the handling and identification of giftedness is barely addressed in teacher training or early childhood education programmes. This urgently needs to change. Gifted children, just like those who are differently abled, need educational circumstances and approaches that deviate from the general norm. Many have significant difficulties in school and university — often without particularly good grades. Some initial approaches:
Differentiated Instruction
Teachers can support gifted children through individually adapted learning plans and projects tailored to the child’s interests and level of performance. This ensures that the child is neither under- nor over-stimulated.
Enrichment Programmes
Many schools offer special enrichment programmes aimed at supporting gifted children in specific areas such as science, technology or art. These programmes can also include extracurricular activities that help gifted children meet like-minded peers and move within a supportive environment.
Emotional Support
Emotional and social development is just as important as intellectual support. Programmes for developing social competence and dealing with high sensitivity are crucial to ensuring that gifted children also flourish emotionally and socially.
The Role of Parents
Parents play a central role in supporting their gifted children. They can, for example:
- Recognise and nurture interests,
- Find suitable extracurricular activities,
- Communicate with teachers and encourage collaboration,
- Build networks with other parents of gifted children.
Conclusion
Giftedness in children is a gift that needs to be used well. The right support and encouragement is necessary for the child to thrive. It is not only about maximising the child’s individual abilities, but also about helping them to grow into balanced and happy people. It is up to all of us to support gifted children in their development and to open up pathways on which they can unfold.
In my practice I advise parents on the journey and after a “diagnosis”. Not infrequently this is an emotional and unsettling time, accompanied by autobiographical moments of realisation and a struggle with one’s own attitude to the topic. Please feel free to get in touch if you would like a conversation.
