Enjoyed the episode, got a suggestion or a question send me a text

What does it actually mean when we say a child is gifted?

And what about when that same child is really struggling?

I’m joined by the wonderful Mark Talaga, a counsellor who specialises in working with gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) children and adults.

This one is quite personal for me because giftedness is part of our family story too. And I’ve often found it quite difficult to talk about.

Because saying your child is struggling feels acceptable. Saying your child is gifted can somehow feel like you’re showing off.

But the two can absolutely sit side by side.

Mark and I chat about what 2e actually means, why being incredibly capable in one area doesn't mean everything else comes easily, and why these kids can sometimes be completely misunderstood.

We talk boredom, anxiety, shutting down, the pressure of having “so much potential” and what can happen when the way a child thinks and learns doesn't fit neatly into the classroom.

There’s a lot in this one about looking beyond what a child is struggling with, understanding what might actually be going on underneath and, perhaps most importantly, finding people who get them.

If you want to connect with Mark you can find him here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopelesslygifted

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopelesslygifted/

Center for Identity Potential: www.centerforidentitypotential.com

Mentioned in this episode

If This Is a Gift, Can I Send It Back? by Jen Merrill

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Support the show