Gifted daughters…the joys and the challenges!

I’ve worked with families for over 30 years as a social worker, parent coach and researcher, but my most rewarding and challenging job EVER was raising my two daughters (now in their 30’s). As a mother of gifted children, I felt like I was basically “flying blind” trying to meet their unique educational, social and emotional needs. This situation was exacerbated by the mixed messages I received from my community. On one hand, I was told: “All kids are gifted” (and, therefore, my child shouldn’t be given any special consideration) and, conversely that: “Your child is so bright, you’ve got nothing to worry about.”

However, the reality, especially for my exceptionally gifted older child, was that, in my heart, I knew that her environment was not ideal…that she had special needs I was unable to meet. I felt like a failure because I couldn’t find a challenging learning situation for her or adequately address her social and emotional issues. I often felt isolated and helpless, and worried a lot about how I was failing as a parent.

Fortunately, we somehow survived, using a piecemeal approach, desperately seeking out various counselors, therapists, extracurricular activities, tutors and a few caring educators as issues and crises arose during different developmental stages…..but I realized that having the support of a parent (AND a professional) who’s “been there and done that”, openly sharing their wisdom, support and encouragement as well as providing information on female giftedness would have been invaluable.

Therefore, this is my mission:

To let you, as a parent of a gifted daughter, know that you’re not alone, that parenting gifted girls is an incredibly special experience and can be very fulfilling but also, at times, extremely challenging, and that, working together, we can achieve your parenting ideals. My goal is to empower you as a parent, create more joy on your parenting journey, and, through our collaboration, help your daughter thrive.