Being the parent of a gifted child means MORE – more intense, more sensitive, more curious, more active, more idealistic and more intuitive. Understanding these unique personality characteristics provides insights into behaviors at home and school. This presentation will focus on the affective aspects of being gifted including sensitivity, intensity, and perfectionism. Effective strategies and techniques for dealing with these personality traits, as well as ways to help kids deal with the unique stresses of giftedness will be shared. Resources to foster a deeper understanding of the social-emotional aspects of parenting will be discussed.

Michele Kane, Ed.D. is Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Master of Arts in Gifted Education Program at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. She has served the gifted community as a public school district gifted coordinator; through private programs such as Camp Summit for the Gifted, PG Retreat, and SENG; and in leadership positions within both the Illinois and National Associations for Gifted Children. Inspired by her experience raising six gifted children, a major focus of Michele's work is related to the social/emotional needs of the gifted.