Voices From the Families: Strategies for and Challenges in Raising a Gifted Child

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate parenting styles and practices, strategies and resources used to develop a child’s potential, and family–school relationships. Nine families with gifted and talented students participated. The instruments used were a sociodemographic questionnaire, a parenting style scale, and a semistructured interview. The results indicated that the authoritative style was the most representative of parenting practices of this sample. The interviews generated six themes: (a) parental practices, (b) strategies and resources for student development, (c) family–school relationship, (d) challenges, (e) learning, and (f) advice. The findings suggested that parents were concerned not only with developing children’s talents but also with promoting their well-being. If schools were opposed to meeting their children’s needs, parent took their own initiative in meeting these needs. Seeking support from expert professionals in the field and other parents of gifted children was highlighted by the participants.