By Dan Peters, Ph.D.
We often spend so much time advocating for our gifted children, students, and clients — explaining how they are different from the norm — that it is easy to forget the commonalities they share with other children, as well as the job we have in raising and guiding them. Gifted children, like all children, need to learn to cope with life’s curve balls; to persevere in the face of adversity; to deal with change; and to learn how to play with, negotiate, and compromise with others. These skills are far more valuable than reading, writing, and math, will take them farther, and are essential for success in life.
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Dr. Dan Peters, licensed psychologist, is Co-founder and Executive Director of the Summit Center, specializing in the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and families with special emphasis on gifted, talented, and creative individuals and families. Dr. Peters serves on the California Association for the Gifted (CAG) Advisory Board, the 2e Center for Research and Practice Advisory Board, and the SENG Editorial Board. He is co-author of Raising Creative Kids, and author of Make Your Worrier a Warrior: A Guide to Conquering Your Child’s Fears and From Worrier to Warrior: A Guide to Conquering Your Fears.