Parenting Gifted Kids: Understanding Their Intensity, Emotions and Unique Needs with Sarah Strouthopoulos [84]

Traditional parenting methods often don’t work for gifted kids. Their intensity, sensitivities, and deep emotions require a different approach—one rooted in understanding, connection, and support.

In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Strouthopoulos, a master educator, gifted specialist, certified kids life coach, parenting coach, and mom to a profoundly gifted child. Sarah has worked with hundreds of families navigating the challenges of raising gifted kids—meltdowns, perfectionism, social struggles, and even academic underachievement. But she’s also seen the incredible transformation that happens when parents have the right tools to help their children thrive.

Join us as we dive into:
✅ Why gifted kids experience emotions so intensely and how to support them
✅ The common challenges gifted children face in school and social settings
✅ Why traditional discipline approaches often backfire
✅ How parents can advocate for their child and build a strong, trusting relationship

Whether you’re raising a gifted child or simply want to better understand their unique world, this conversation will give you the insights and strategies you need.

Giftedness Comes with Unique Challenges

Gifted kids often experience emotions more deeply and may struggle with frustration, anxiety, or perfectionism.
Their behaviors—acting out, withdrawing, or masking emotions—are often signs of underlying struggles.
Understanding their needs and emotions is key to helping them thrive.
Many parents notice signs of giftedness early, sometimes as young as age two or four.
Gifted children often experience the world intensely, like having "50 fingers instead of 10," making sensory input and emotions overwhelming.
While they may grasp academic concepts effortlessly, they often need explicit guidance in emotional awareness and social skills.
They can struggle with understanding their own emotions, distinguishing real worries from irrational fears, and picking up on social cues.

Physical Activity Helps Channel Energy—But It Looks Different for Each Child

Many gifted kids prefer individual or alternative sports like rock climbing, skiing, martial arts, or even bouncing on trampolines.
Some resist traditional sports but still benefit from movement that matches their unique energy levels and interests.

School Systems Often Lack the Right Support

Many gifted children mask their emotions at school, appearing perfect while struggling inside.
Schools and teachers are often unprepared to meet both the academic and emotional needs of gifted students.
Some parents explore alternative schooling options, including homeschooling or relocating to a better-equipped school.

Gifted Kids Crave Understanding & Connection

Feeling seen and understood is crucial for their emotional well-being.
Parents can build stronger relationships by being curious about their child’s perspective and acknowledging their emotions.
Misunderstanding giftedness can lead parents to misinterpret behaviors as defiance when, in reality, children are overwhelmed or struggling to self-regulate.
Some families withdraw from social situations due to their child’s challenges, but isolation can be counterproductive.

Parents Are the Best Advocates & Guides for Their Gifted Child

It’s normal to feel pressure and self-doubt, but parents are uniquely equipped to support their child.
Children look to their parents for emotional regulation, understanding, and encouragement.
Being patient, managing personal emotions, and staying curious about what drives a child’s behavior can strengthen the parent-child bond.

Next Steps for Parents of Gifted Kids

Recognize the signs early and seek resources that support both intellectual and emotional development.
Focus on long-term solutions rather than quick fixes or “Band-Aid” approaches.
Help children manage their emotions, navigate social interactions, and expand their comfort zones at a pace that respects their sensitivities.
Therapy can be beneficial, but it often works best when paired with a structured, long-term approach that includes parental education and home support.
A comprehensive plan—one that helps parents understand their child’s needs and develop strategies for both emotional and social growth—is key.

Connect with Sarah