Do you have a gifted child that is struggling with conflict resolution? Learn tips for helping gifted children with conflict resolution!
The gifted child is a storehouse of information and often prides herself on her ability to come up with the answers to any and all questions. In the course of events, sometimes she is wrong. Many gifted kids find it hard to admit they are incorrect and conflict often ensues.
Helping Gifted Children With Conflict Resolution
The Gifted and Stubborn Child
Some gifted kids will go to great lengths to avoid admitting they are incorrect, even in the face of clear evidence to the contrary. The humility to admit one is wrong takes time to develop along with the maturity of the personality. Allow the child to gracefully exit from a losing argument instead of emphasizing the fact that she was wrong. Showing her the mature way to handle this situation by being a good role model is a great start.
When the gifted child is involved in arguments with others, encourage her to be calm, objective and to avoid attacking the other person for their point of view. For example, encourage her to say that the the other person may be mistaken, instead of saying that he must be stupid. Taking the sting out of her retorts will limit the intensity of any conflict she experiences with others.
The Gifted Child Who Loves to Argue
Debating points is a game for many gifted kids. However, not all kids see arguments in the same way. Some may take offense to the gifted child who wants to argue every point with the teacher, and he may become a object of ridicule in the classroom setting.
Encourage the child to be calm and non-confrontational if he is harassed by other children. Many times, if the bullying child doesn’t get a big reaction, he will give up the behavior. If this does not work and the child becomes anxious or upset, the parent may need to consult with the teacher or principal to address the bully problem. It is usually best to let the child handle his own problems at school, unless the situation gets out of hand.
Gifted Children and Personality Clashes
Some kids just don’t get along well with other kids, who possess personality traits that don’t mix well. Encourage the gifted child to develop an understanding of his own propensities. Use the Myers-Briggs or other personality profile vehicle to help him learn about himself and others in his family. In this way, he can better appreciate how and why he has conflicts with certain other children and how some of these problems can be avoided.
Even the act of avoiding certain classmates may reduce the frequency of conflicts and make his life a bit less stressful. Better still, learning mechanisms for dealing with difficult people is a lifelong skill he work at developing and perfecting over time.
Gifted kids are at least as likely to experience conflicts with others as average children. Some gifted children are stubborn and reluctant to admit when they are wrong. This issue usually corrects itself with time and maturity. Other gifted children love to argue and can incite others into conflicts and debates.
If bullying becomes an issue, the school may need to get involved. Finally, gifted kids can greatly benefit from understanding themselves and others more fully. Using personality instruments is one way to learn and adapt to others, so as to limit the need for conflict resolution.
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