Types of Relationships Between the Family of a Gifted Child and the School and Other Environments That Support the Child’s Development

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to describe and clarify the relationships that are found between families of talented children and schools, institutions, and other organizations engaged in the development of children’s potential. The developmental concepts of talents prevalent in the current discourse emphasize their dynamic and interactive nature, meaning that the development of children’s abilities is processual and proceeds in the course of intricate, time-dependent interactions between internal and external factors. A significant role is played by the influence from close social circles. From this viewpoint, positive relationships between the family and school or other social environments may help children’s capabilities to flourish. The article draws on data originating from individual, in-depth interviews conducted with 18 families raising children with special academic, artistic, or athletic talents. The analysis identified three types of relationships between families and schools, institutions, and other organizations supporting the development of gifted children: cooperation, conflict, and natural development of a child’s talent. However, there were evident differences depending on the type of talent shown by the child, the stage in the education system they were in, and the specific profile of the school, educational institution, or organization conducting a given type of education. Armed with knowledge on the relationships between family and school and other social environments, it is possible to both understand and mold them in accordance with the expectations of all parties and the needs of the gifted child.

Keywords

• relationships of family with school and social environments
• gifted child’s family
• development of abilities