Guiding the Gifted Child: A Practical Source for Parents and Teachers

by James T. Webb, Elizabeth A. Meckstroth

This book has become a classic in the fields of gifted education and gifted psychology. For years, parents have referred to it as “the Dr. Spock book for parents of gifted children.” Gifted children have unique social and emotional concerns, and this book provides the guidance that parents need to support them. Each chapter features problems or issues common to gifted children and their families. Topics include communication, discipline, friends, sibling rivalry, and educational needs.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Education, Self Help, Teaching

280 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1985

About the author

James T. Webb, Ph.D., has been recognized as one of the 25 most influential psychologists nationally on gifted education. Dr. Webb has written 16 books, over 75 professional publications, three DVDs, and many research papers for psychology conventions or for conferences regarding gifted and talented children. Six of his books are on gifted children and adults, and four have won “Best Book” awards.

• Guiding the Gifted Child: A Practical Source for Parents and Teachers - which won the National Media Award of the American Psychological Association as the best book for "significantly contributing to the understanding of the unique, sensitive, emotional needs of exceptional children.”
• Grandparents’ Guide to Gifted Children – winner of two awards
• Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnoses of Gifted Children and Adults: ADHD, Bipolar, OCD, Asperger’s, Depression, and Other Disorders – winner of three awards
• Gifted Parent Groups: The SENG Model, 2nd Edition
• A Parent’s Guide to Gifted Children – winner of three awards
• Searching for Meaning: Idealism, Bright Minds, Disillusionment, and Hope


A frequent keynote and workshop speaker, Dr. Webb, a licensed psychologist, has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS Sunday Morning, The Phil Donahue Show, CNN, Public Radio International, and National Public Radio.

In 1981, Dr. Webb established SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of Gifted Children, Inc.), a national nonprofit organization that provides information, training, conferences, and workshops, and he remains as Chair of SENG’s Professional Advisory Committee. In 2011, he was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arizona Association for Gifted children, the Community Service Award from the National Association for Gifted Children, and the Upton Sinclair Award by EducationNews.org.

Dr. Webb has served on the Board of Directors for the National Association for Gifted Children, and was President of the American Association for Gifted Children. Currently, Dr. Webb is President of Great Potential Press, Inc.

Reviews

[May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering how dated (most of the references are publications from the '70s and '80s) this book is, it's still extremely relevant to understanding gifted children--although I have to admit I was on the "lower end" of the gifted spectrum, the book really spoke to me as an adult that now wants to teach gifted children. An excellent resource.

[Nikhil · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's somewhat dated, but not outdated, and focuses more on the "what" rather than the "how" of raising a gifted child, after providing a working definition of what "gifted" means. Thankfully, that definition is broad and flexible; "giftedness" is more than raw intellectual ability and can encompass many dimensions of personality and skill. All told, a good introductory guide.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two biggest take-aways:

1. When giving praise give specific details or supporting evidence of what you have noticed.

2. #TheStruggleIsReal Found it interesting that there is a strong correlation between giftedness and depression.

[Kelly Swiryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I run a Gifted and Talented program at my school, but this book is even more important for parents.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to have to buy this book. Not only did it give me good advice on guiding a gifted child but it also gave a lot of great advice on raising and discipling children.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no better source out there for working with and understanding gifted children. The knowledge this book contains is of infinite value.

[Scott Finlay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected more from something referred to as a "parenting Bible" for gifted kids. Part of the problem might have been that hardly any of the content was directly related to kids younger than school age, but even that aside there wasn't nearly as much useful advice as I expected and hoped for.

Parts were very interesting, especially in the beginning where it defines giftedness and how kids are identified as such. It was also reassuring at times to hear that many things we faced were normal. But later when it comes to problems and how to handle them, it seemed like the book went through a lot of effort to describe the problem but not how to solve it. For example, when it talks about a topic such as handling stress, it defines the issue and then tells you that you can help your child by teaching it effective stress management techniques without really elaborating on those techniques.

Additionally, some of the advice didn't age well, and even for its time, it was contradictory. For example, it recommends handling a nagging kid by suddenly walking away without saying a word, locking yourself in the bathroom, and reading until the kid stops banging on the door. I'm sure it "works", but it doesn't sound very healthy, and it contradicts the repeated message that you should treat your child with respect and validation.

[Alyssa Bohon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had some helpful, supportive insights. Not a strong resource for Christians on some areas, as it lacks a foundation in God's design and calling on the individual's life - everything is on the pragmatic, human level. Also, it doesn't have a category for homeschooling, which would have been a boon to these system-fighting advocate mamas of gifted children in the 80's . Made me grateful for all the resources available now for home educating children of all levels.

[Wouter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not too fancy and not too profound. Yet, it offers a good general approach to gifted children and teenagers for teachers and parents (with an emphasis on the latter).

The book itself states that much information it offers can be applied to all children but, of course, emphasises how gifted children fit in that story.

It should be a mandatory read for any teacher.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn’t complete this book; I got the gist after a few chapters and also realized that the child that spurred the reading is very bright and gifted, there are Mensa-level kiddos who really give their parents a run for their money!!

[Kelly Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is getting a bit dated, but it's a good parenting tome for any parent. It highlights the psychology behind the struggles gifted children encounter frequently, but many chdren deal with to some degree. The anecdotes are troubling, reassuring, and endlessly fascinating.

[nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

read this for a paper for university

[Emil Petersen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's an older book but the advice felt sensible. Pretty much all the guidelines seems relevant for any child, not just the gifted.

[Erin]

About halfway through. Stopped on page 93. Interesting. Requires more focus.

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not as helpful as I had wanted. It lays a great argument about the need to help the gifted child has much as the under-performing child (albeit with statistics and studies from the 1970's). But it doesn't develop much past that point. Evidently gifted kids need acceptance, support, unconditional love, discipline and help with establishing personal identities. No big surpises there.

[Catherine Gillespie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Guiding the Gifted Child: A Practical Source for Parents and Teachers is an older book, but a helpful one. Again, you’ll read about the characteristics and challenges of gifted kids, and also gain practical tips for handling those issues.

The book is a good balance between big picture ideas and practical tactical help.

{Read my full review here}

[B. Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I don't think my bright children are as 'gifted' as most of the examples in this book, many of the lessons apply to any normally intelligent young human and can be helpful for parents who often need guidance when peering into those thoughtful heads. A comprehensive, well written book on parenting which takes their subject (kids) very seriously.

[Chanin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend loaned this to me and I wound up buying two copies. One was for me and one to give to a friend. This is a wonderful reference for helping children with high IQ's that need some direction. Great resource for parents to help them with emotions, relationships, boredom, socialization,and schoolwork. I highly recommend it to anyone with need for this area of help.

[Lisa Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful and enightening book on how to best understand and support your gifted child. It offered wonderful insights on how to help the gifted child how to deal with relationships, emotions, and school. It is definitely something I will be coming back to often the older Lily gets.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will be recommending this book to all parents - great suggestions for discipline, encouragement, and motivation for elementary-age and up, esp. if the child is extremely verbal and given to debate/negotiations.

[psvansc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for parents on raising a gifted child. I got this copy on loan from my library, but am purchasing one for my own as soon as possible. Great information on helping to guide your child through stress, peer interactions and daily life.

[Meggityb · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I read about gifted children. Constant reference ever since.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great advice for parents and gifted learners!

[Ginnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good ideas for parents who are just starting on this road. A bit dated for our modern times.