Bright, Complex Kids: Supporting Their Social and Emotional Development [Paperback]

A field guide for understanding the complex characteristics and social and emotional needs of gifted kids.

Many bright and gifted kids do not feel understood or supported. For adults wanting to change that,Bright, Complex Kidsprovides guidance for gaining entrance to their internal world. This practical and easy-to-use field guide includes ideas for how and why to: 

• listen and respond
• self-monitor adult biases
• avoid communicating awe of high ability because of the potential impact on trust and openness
• apply knowledge of learning disabilities
• help high-ability children and teens make sense of themselves 

Well-known gifted experts Jean Sunde Peterson, Ph.D., and Daniel B. Peters, Ph.D., wroteBright, Complex Kidsto be an accessible short course for adults wanting to build a base of knowledge for understanding and supporting the social and emotional needs of highly able children and teens. From how adults can be involved to insights on the social and emotional development of bright kids, each chapter has a section with “points to ponder.”

Additional information is provided about characteristics, anxiety, perfectionism, resilience, underachievement, twice-exceptionality, and hidden distress to provide a picture of the whole child. A free downloadable PLC/Book Study Guide is available at freespirit.com/PLC. 
 A field guide for understanding the complex characteristics and social and emotional needs of gifted kids.

Jean Sunde Peterson, Ph.D.,?is professor emerita and former director of school counselor preparation at Purdue University. She conducts workshops on academic underachievement, prevention- and development-oriented small-group work with children and adolescents, bullying, and more.

Dr. Peterson has authored more than 130 books (including Get Gifted Students Talking,?How (and Why) to Get Students Talking, and Bright, Complex Kids)ls*