Barbara Klein, Ed.D.

First things first. You have to really believe on a deep level that excitability and intensity is normal in gifted kids. In fact, emotional intensity and extreme passion are hallmarks of giftedness. Explaining this idea as primary leads to a strategy. Find ways to calm your son or daughter down. What works for your neighbor’s child will not work for you and your child necessarily. Challenging activities including visiting new places while traveling or just going to museums and concerts and skilled sports events will enliven your child and calm them down. Reading and internet activities that are intellectual are important as well. Coding classes and learning languages can also use up their brain power and calm them down. Art, music and drama get out some of their need for self-expression. Sports can help them focus and deal with competitive and physical energy.