Paternal Influence on Gifted High-Achieving Millennial Males

Abstract

The relationships of 10 gifted high-achieving Millennial males and their fathers were the focus of this qualitative research study. Through in-depth interviews, six significant themes were identified: father’s strong work ethic and self-sacrifice, father as teacher of skills and life lessons, father’s design and maintenance of father–son rituals, father’s quiet presence on the sidelines, father’s authenticity and comfort with self, and father’s respect for son’s talents, decision making and developing independence. Implications for parents and educators of gifted high-achieving males are discussed.