Helping Gifted Kids Thrive: Strategies for Support at Home and in School
As educators and parents, we often focus on the strengths of gifted learners—their quick thinking, creativity, and passion for knowledge. But behind these intellectual abilities lies something just as important: their emotional world.
Supporting the social and emotional development of gifted students is essential to helping them thrive, both in and out of the classroom.
Gifted Learners Are Not All Alike
Gifted students demonstrate a wide range of abilities. While some excel in academics, others may shine in less easily measured areas like artistic expression, musical talent, or leadership. These students often think abstractly, learn quickly, and show intense curiosity and creativity.
However, their social and emotional development doesn’t always progress at the same pace as their cognitive abilities. This asynchrony is one of the most defining—and challenging—characteristics of giftedness (Neihart, Pfeiffer, & Cross, 2016). It can make identification and support more complicated, especially when these differences are misunderstood or overlooked.
Emotional Sensitivity and Perfectionism
Gifted students frequently experience:
Heightened emotional sensitivity
A deep sense of justice
Perfectionism
Difficulty connecting with age peers
These traits can be incredible strengths—but without guidance and support, they can also lead to anxiety, frustration, underachievement, or social isolation (Rimm, Siegle, & Davis, 2018).
As the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) emphasizes, gifted learners need opportunities not only for academic growth but also for emotional expression and support in developing social skills.
The Unique Challenge of Twice-Exceptional Students
One often overlooked group is twice-exceptional (2e) students—those who are gifted and also have a learning disability. These students face an especially complex set of needs. Their gifts may mask their disabilities, or vice versa, leading to misunderstanding, misdiagnosis, or even neglect (Neihart et al., 2016). Supporting these students means recognizing both their strengths and their challenges—and creating individualized plans that nurture both.
How We Can Support Gifted Students Socially and Emotionally
Build Relationships and Validate Emotions. Gifted students need adults who understand their inner world. Validating their emotions, listening with empathy, and showing genuine interest in their ideas and struggles can help them feel seen and supported.
Teach That Mistakes Are Part of Learning. Perfectionism can be paralyzing. We must model and teach that failure is part of growth. Celebrating effort, reflection, and revision helps gifted students build resilience.
Foster Peer Connections. Gifted learners often feel different from their peers. Giving them opportunities to connect with intellectual and creative peers—through enrichment groups, mentorships, or extracurriculars—can ease feelings of isolation and build confidence.
Offer Meaningful and Challenging Learning. Gifted students who are bored or under-stimulated may disengage, act out, or mask their abilities to fit in. Differentiated instruction, choice-based learning, and real-world connections help keep students engaged and purposeful.
Watch for Underachievement and Masking. Some students may hide their giftedness or “dumb down” to avoid standing out. Others may stop trying altogether if they feel misunderstood. Watch for signs of withdrawal, disengagement, or sharp changes in performance.
Final Thoughts
Supporting gifted students isn’t just about challenging them intellectually—it’s about helping them grow into emotionally healthy, socially connected, and self-aware individuals. When we create learning environments that value both intellect and emotion, we give gifted children what they truly need to thrive.
Sources:
Neihart, M., Pfeiffer, S. I., & Cross, T. L. (Eds.). (2016). The Social and Emotional Development of Gifted Children: What Do We Know? (2nd ed.). Prufrock Press.
Rimm, S. B., Siegle, D., & Davis, G. A. (2018). Education of the Gifted and Talented (7th ed.). Pearson.
National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC). (n.d.). Social and Emotional Issues in Gifted Children.
