Wednesday 20th April, 7.30pm-9.30pm
Topic: Anxiety and the Gifted
This is an issue which affects all ages, young and old, so the discussion should prove helpful for many. Details of the group can be found here. Everyone is welcome, but we would be grateful if you could let us know by email if you intend to come so that we have an idea of numbers.
The new term of CTYI Saturday classes is about to start and we thought we’d take the opportunity to remind you that this can be a great opportunity for parents to get together. Particularly for those parents who have to travel significant distances, it is nice to have company while waiting for classes to end.
As many of you will have discovered, being the parent of a gifted child brings it’s own peculiar problems which can sometimes be difficult to discuss with other parents or teachers. Having the chance to chat to other parents who may have faced the same conundrums can be very helpful and reassuring. Sometimes, all that’s needed is to feel that you’re not alone and that your child is, indeed, relatively normal. And, let’s face it, sometimes a good vent or a rant to an understanding audience can make you feel so much better!
We are not in a position to organise coffee groups at every CTYI venue but we will help to facilitate these where possible. CTYI are also very helpful and supportive of these efforts. If you would be interested in taking part, check out our CTYI group page for further details of where there are groups and how to get involved.
Theme for Wicklow/South Dublin GAS group meeting on Wednesday 22nd October
Fitting in or standing out is a perennial dilemma for the gifted, from early childhood to adulthood. How many of us have been told that our kids have “social skills” problems? Indeed, how many of us have occasionally wondered about our own social skills?!
Young kids who can read and understand things in advance of their years, can have a hard time fitting in and making friends within their age group. For a start, their interests may be different to those of their friends, but their passion is such that they just want to talk about them all the time. An endless stream of facts about dinosaurs isn’t that appealing to a six year old who would rather play football. They may also be impatient when others don’t grasp things as quickly as they do and have the potential to be quite bossy and overbearing, especially if they are one of those who loves rules and complexity. At this age, it is a bit much to expect your gifted child to understand that he may be driving people away by just being himself, but it’s very hard as a parent, to watch your child constantly be isolated and rebuffed; the one who is never invited to the party. Sometimes, as parents, we can get drawn into thinking that there is something wrong with our child and we desperately try to fix things for them and to force friendships. It can be very isolating for us too, as most other parents don’t really understand the issues we are dealing with.
Later, just like any other teenager, they will feel a very strong need to conform. Their peer group from here on, takes on a much greater importance and, I’m afraid, your reign as the most important person in their eyes is about to come to an end rapidly! There is no escaping the fact that they are different to the majority, so they can’t be the same as everyone else and still be true to themselves. Some may well fly through these years with little trouble, particularly if we have managed to help them feel comfortable with themselves so far. However, many will purposely underachieve in order to fit in and be accepted, particularly girls. Others will embrace their “differentness” and may appear somewhat eccentric. All teenagers struggle to find their own identity but, for the gifted, it can be even harder. They tend to be very intense and to think things through in great depth and detail and can end up completely tied in knots. The dangers of going through this struggle alone and without an understanding ear cannot be overestimated.
What can parents do to help gifted children feel comfortable in their own skin and to find their place in the world? How can we best deal with the issues that are thrown up during their passage through the one-size-fits-all education system? How do we keep ourselves sane in the process?! These are the issues which the Wicklow/South Dublin Gifted Advocacy and Support group will be exploring at our next meeting:
Wednesday 22nd October 2014, 7.45pm
Glenview Hotel, Glen of the Downs
New members are always welcome, but we would appreciate it if you could let us know if you plan to come so that we have an idea of numbers. (gaswicklowdublin[at]gmail[dot]com) Details of the group can be found here.
For some reading in advance:
CTYI Saturday classes for 6 to 13 year olds are due to start up again at DCU on Saturday 1st February and at other venues around the country on Saturday 8th.
Many families drop off their children and come back later but many travel long distances to these classes. As explained on our CTYI support group page , these 2.5 hour sessions are a great opportunity for parents to exchange stories and have a chat over coffee. Not alone is it nice for those who are waiting around to have company, but most parents of gifted children run into problems at least occasionally, which are peculiar to their child’s giftedness. At such times, it can be very helpful to meet others who understand the issues and can offer support and advice. We all have a lot in common!
We are currently putting together arrangements to facilitate groups at as many CTYI venues as possible, but the success of each one depends on participation from parents. If you would like to be involved in a coffee group at your CTYI venue, please get in touch either with us directly at info[at]giftedireland.ie or through CTYI who can put you in touch with us.
Tuesday 15th October 2013
7.45pm
The topic for discussion is “Gifted Children and Emotions”. We will be having our usual informal chat and catch up too and taking a look at how we run the group and what changes, if any, people would like to make. So, please come along, share your experience and add your suggestions. New members always welcome.
You will find us in the library. Turn left just before the stairs in the foyer. The door to the library is just after the lounge.
Enquiries: gaswicklowdublin@gmail.com
