Occasional stress is part of life for most children. However, stress for gifted children can come from unexpected places such as:
- expectations that are too high
- a concern for the world
- parental pressure
- lack of discipline or structure
- over scheduling of activities
- feeling of being different than their peers
- loneliness
- boredom
What Can Parents Do to Help?
- encourage your child to relax and find relaxing activities to do together
- emphasize what your child does well
- monitor your child’s activities to avoid over scheduling
- help your child to develop and maintain friendships
- show authentic interest in your child and ‘be there’ for him/her
Depression
Depression is more than just feeling down. It is a condition that must be taken seriously. Signs of depression:
- loss of interest in activities that the child previously enjoyed
- loss of friends
- marked changes in eating habits and weight loss or gain
- changes in sleep patterns
- significant drop in grades
- self reproach
- thoughts of suicide
What Can Parents Do to Help?
- talk with your child
- help your child to discover what is causing the sadness
- seek professional help if depression becomes severe
