top of page
Writing for parents of gifted kids
You've read the articles. The ten tips, the seven signs, the printable charts.
And still, some nights, you're back searching at 9pm.
Here's the thing. You don't need more information. You need a different orientation.
That's what this page is for.
Everything here comes from inside the work. Sitting with parents of gifted and radically accelerated kids.
Raising one myself, in a small town with a very cold lake.
No hacks. No urgency. No pretending it's simple.
Read slowly. Take what fits. Leave the rest.
What Does Play Actually Do for a Gifted Child?
Some people are playful by nature. Mine had to be learned, honed, and grown. Not only was it a skill I had to build, but it took considerable convincing before I would prioritise it at all, before I would spend my precious time on something I believed to be frivolous. Play was for children. Children should play with children. Children are better off playing with children. And worse, I thought proper play could only happen between children. That me, an adult, was a stand-in. T
Devon Harris
Sep 1612 min read
How (and When) to Tell Your Child They’re Gifted
What do you actually say to your child when you realise they're gifted? That deceptively simple question sparked a truly meaningful discussion. Parents joined me during the last Annual Mensa Conference (AMC) for a facilitated conversation that felt equal parts curiosity, vulnerability, and a bit of relief. This conversation was never about having the "right" answer. Families come from diverse cultural, societal, and personal contexts; each carries its own truths. Yet research
Devon Harris
Jan 224 min read
Gifted ≠ Better: What Our Fastest Learners Are Trying to Tell Us
A friend messaged me after reading one of my posts about raising gifted kids. She said, "Gifted does not mean better than." She went on to add that what I had offered described her experience growing up but that it had been "too scary to talk about" up until now. Her reflection stayed with me because, in just a few words, it captured a paradox that lives at the heart of giftedness: We desperately need to name the experience, yet we're often afraid to. The Fear of Superiority
Devon Harris
Apr 30, 20253 min read
From Power Struggles to Partnership: Building Cooperation with Your Gifted Child
My family only works on shared agreements. We continually aim for no punishments, no threats, no rewards, no bribes. In a nutshell, no coercion of any kind. Years ago, when I worked with young people in the justice system, I learned about this particular phrase used by police officers: "Is there anything I can say or do to make you comply with my lawful request?" On the surface this may seem like a genuine attempt at de-escalation, however it was code between partners signall
Devon Harris
Mar 15, 20255 min read
The apps I've used with my own gifted child and still recommend to my private clients
What are the best apps for gifted kids? In our family we've used four: Elevate for English and mental maths, Mathspace for curriculum-aligned maths, Problemo and Bebras for computational thinking, and the VIA Survey as an annual family reflection. Each one works best inside connection, clear agreements and a parent close by. Every parent of a gifted child meets this moment eventually. The appetite for learning is bottomless. The app store is a literal jungle. And somewhere i
Devon Harris
Mar 4, 20257 min read
The Essential Role of Humour in Supporting Gifted Kids
My kiddo's first word was also his first joke. I didn't get it at the time but he'd sit in the bath with a bottle of shampoo repeating the word "Bam-BOO!"... and then proceed to laugh himself silly. What I realised later was that he was making word play with the word 'poo'. Poo has gone on to star front and centre in many of our conversations along with farts and bums. Some years later, soon after beginning his schooling journey, his humour became more nuanced. When I announc
Devon Harris
Feb 25, 20255 min read
Is Your Gifted Child Struggling in School?
Here's What You Need to Know If you're reading this, chances are you have a bright or gifted child who isn't thriving in school or their home-based learning. This is more common than you might think. Maybe they're frustrated, disengaged, or acting out in ways that don't make sense. Maybe you're starting to realise that the education system wasn't designed with your child in mind, and you're wondering what to do next. I've been there. After three years of hardcore advocacy, a
Devon Harris
Feb 4, 20255 min read
How Attachment Play Builds Trust, Safety, and Cooperation: Parenting Gifted Children
Discover the transformative power of Attachment Play in parenting and how playful connection fosters trust, emotional safety & cooperation.
Devon Harris
Jan 7, 20254 min read
How to Inspire Motivation in Gifted Children Without Feeling Like You’re Pushing
Have you ever felt torn between encouraging your child to challenge or extend themselves and worrying that you're asking too much? It's a tough balance to strike, especially for parents of gifted kids. On one hand, you want them to develop self-motivation and resilience. On the other, you're afraid of being seen as "pushing too hard." Sometimes it feels easier to step back entirely, but then comes the guilt and frustration when they underperform or miss out on opportunities t
Devon Harris
Dec 7, 20242 min read
When Giftedness is Mistaken for Something Else: A Compassionate Perspective on Parenting 'Intense' Kids
As a parenting coach for families with gifted children, I often encounter parents grappling with the intensity, quirks, and challenges that come with raising gifted kids. These children are frequently misunderstood, not just by educators or peers, but inside their own families. One common misstep is the tendency to conflate the natural traits of giftedness with conditions like ADHD. While these traits can overlap, understanding the distinctions is crucial, especially when dec
Devon Harris
Nov 27, 20243 min read
bottom of page