Emotional Health and the Gifted Child

Strategies to Ensure Gifted Kids Maintain Mental Well Being

Oct 1, 2009

An intellectually gifted child is advantaged to have advanced abilities. However, the emotional turmoil he faces can become debilitating for him if he is overwhelmed.

Gifted kids are often very sensitive from an emotional standpoint. Sometimes this is the result of a child learning too much too soon. It can be overwhelming to a child to learn hard and cruel facts about the world including such deep subjects as life and death, when he is at a very young age.

Though his ability to understand the facts is well ahead of his chronological age, his experience with the world is not. This dichotomy can cause him much anxiety that may include physical reaction to information. He may experience nightmares, unusual fears, anxiety disorders or disruptive behavior.

Observe the Gifted Child's Behavior

Keeping tabs on the child and her reactions to events and family interactions will give the parent clues about how well adjusted the child is to her environment. If changes in behavior become an issue and she starts acting out or instigating conflict with others, it is important to isolate the cause of the stress.

Taking her aside to talk about her feelings and frustrations on a regular basis is a good practice. If the child is reluctant to confide in the parent or guardian, it may be advisable to consult with a counselor or a expert in gifted children who can provide direction.

Find a Mentor for the Gifted Child

Working with an outside source need not involve a psychologist or other mental health professional. In most instances the gifted child who is experiencing emotional turmoil can benefit greatly from a mentor or an older gifted child who has been through similar feelings and experiences.

Networking with other parents of gifted children to find resources in the area is imperative. Even having the child become acquainted with other kids who are dealing with the issues involving asynchronous development will give her an outlet for her frustrations and questions. More than normal children, gifted kids feel a strong sense of "aloneness." Some even feel like freaks or outcasts among their peers. The child will benefit from the support of others who have been in the same situations.

Give the Gifted Child Freedom of Expression

One way to help a child to deal with strong emotions and stressful anxiety is to provide her with an outlet to express herself freely. This could take many forms from group therapy sessions to free-form art classes. What will work best for the child depends on his interests and methods for dealing with stress. Some kids are very verbal and would find talking about their issues the best venue. Still others are more relieved to write their feelings in a journal.

Encouraging the child to release his pent up anxiety in productive ways is the key to healthy balance. Painting, sculpting, dancing or singing may be the best therapy. Even computer games can provide a pressure release for the gifted child.

In summary, becoming a keen observer of the child's behavior and response to stress is a good starting point in helping her deal with emotions. Utilizing others with similar experiences as well as professional counselors when needed is a helpful strategy. Further, finding the right "release valve" that will help the child utilize a constructive activity to reduce stress could become a lifelong coping tool for a gifted child.

The copyright of the article Emotional Health and the Gifted Child in Assessing Gifted Children is owned by Therese Haberman. Permission to republish Emotional Health and the Gifted Child in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.