Report on Parents’ Session by Mrs. Nidhi Mehta

Date: 8th February 2025
Duration: 2 hours
Venue: AV Room, KSJC premises

A special session for parents of gifted students was conducted by Mrs. Nidhi Mehta, dietician, nutritionist, and mother of two gifted children. It featured an expert discussion aimed at addressing the unique challenges and experiences of raising gifted children. The session was structured into two key segments: an engaging activity led by the students, followed by an in-depth discussion with the expert.

Pictionary Game by Students: The session commenced with an interactive Pictionary game, conducted by the gifted students using a whiteboard and markers. The parents were divided into two teams and the prompts for the game were given by the students themselves. This engaging activity served as an icebreaker and a fun start to the session. Following the game, the students exited the session, allowing the parents to participate in an open and focused discussion with the expert.

Expert Discussion: The discussion covered a range of crucial topics that impact both gifted children and their families. The expert provided insights and guidance on the following key areas:

1. Generation Gap – The conversation delved into the differences in experiences and perspectives between parents and their gifted children, emphasizing the need for understanding and adaptability, especially when it comes to media usage. Parents also expressed concerns about their children’s irregular sleep patterns and how it compromises on their sleep and health. The expert discussed the natural tendencies of gifted individuals to have varied sleep cycles and provided strategies for managing them effectively, such as making a proper structure of the day.
2. Experimenting as a Teenager – The session addressed the exploratory nature of adolescence, especially in gifted students, and ways parents can support safe and healthy experimentation, as there is no harm in it and it quells their curiosity.
3. High Emotionality of Gifted Kids – The parents also emphasized the intense emotional experiences of gifted children, such as getting easily insulted, and the expert provided strategies to manage it, such as not scolding them in front of others and how important parents’ opinions are to the kids.
4. Time Management – Parents were guided on how to help their children develop effective time management skills without stifling their creativity and spontaneity and helping them prioritize.
5. Accepting That They Are Different – The expert emphasized the importance of parents embracing their childrens’ uniqueness and accepting that they are different.The expert addressed how parental expectations can sometimes contribute to undue pressure on children and suggested approaches for fostering a supportive environment.
6. Finding Ways to Connect with Your Child – The session provided practical methods to strengthen parent-child relationships through shared interests and open communication. Parents also contributed to this by talking about the unique ways they connect with their children, such as regular night outs. Moreover, parents shared concerns about their children not fitting in and about their nutrition as a teenager.
7. Gender Differences – Differences in the experiences of gifted boys and girls were discussed, with emphasis on their level of expressiveness and sharing of feelings. It was also established by the expert that every gifted child’s traits show up differently, as some may be obvious and some subtle.
8. Repercussions of the Word ‘Gifted’ – One parent spoke about the impact of labeling a child as ‘gifted’ and how to ensure that the child remains grounded and does not feel entitled or superior to others. He stressed on the importance of hard work and dedication, despite higher intelligence, and how imperative it is for them to mix with others.
9. Strong Principles of Gifted Kids – A few parents shared anecdotes and shared how their children develop firm beliefs and principles, and a strong sense of justice. The session explored ways to moderate these intense emotions to avoid distress.
10. Management of Their Emotions – Emotional regulation strategies were shared, helping parents understand how to support their children through emotional highs and lows. The parents were told how important it is that they manage their own emotions as well, and be mindful of what they say to their kids.

Conclusion: The session provided a valuable platform for parents to gain insights, share experiences, and develop strategies for supporting their gifted children. The interactive format and expert-led discussion ensured that parents left with practical takeaways to foster their children’s growth and well-being. The session was well received, and parents expressed their appreciation, as well as requested more expert sessions/trainings.