SENG-Model Parent Support Group Week 5
Tradition Breaking & Depression
Chapters 10 & 11
Guiding the Gifted Child by Webb, Meckstroth and Tolan
Tradition Breaking
Bright, creative children question traditions, rituals, rules Creativity always implies being non-traditional Breaking traditions always has a price tag Kohlberg’s stages of moral development; more advanced is less traditional Traditions have a value (but can be overly binding) Traditions promote belongingness and predictable behaviors; tap root Family traditions; sense of sanctuary Importance of creating our own traditions starting now What we model for our children in tradition breaking
Depression
Re-label depression as anger; inward or frustrated anger Depression as self-blame (“hair shirt”); negative self-talk Cannot argue people out of depression Avoid “Pollyanna cheerleader” or belittling of their feelings Existential depression; meaning in life Importance of relationships and of physical touch Evaluating seriousness; considering suicide When and how to refer; getting professional help
Handouts
1. Teen Depression www.webmd.com
2. Existential Depression in Gifted Individuals by Jim Webb (SENGifted.org)
3. Perfectionism and the Highly Gifted Child by Shaun Hately
Serving Granite School District
