Tackling Perfectionism | A Conversation with Lisa Van Gemert

Raising Lifelong Learners

Today we have a truly insightful episode featuring Lisa Van Gemert, an expert in gifted education and the mind behind Gifted Guru. Join us as we explore the intricacies of perfectionism in gifted children, how it intertwines with their cognitive abilities, and its impact on their mental and emotional health.

Lisa shares invaluable strategies for parents, including a unique "one to five" task evaluation approach that can help children better understand and navigate their perfectionistic tendencies. We'll also discuss the importance of connection and mindfulness, teaching kids empathy and critical thinking, and offering grace in the homeschooling journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Evaluating Perfectionism: Lisa introduced a practical "one to five" strategy for helping children—and parents—navigate the pressures of perfectionism by rating the importance of various tasks. This helps them discern between crucial and non-critical issues, thus reducing unnecessary stress.
• Emphasizing Self-Reflection: We discussed the importance of normalizing self-reflection for children, helping them understand and accept their unique traits. This practice not only fosters self-awareness but also nurtures a healthy, growth-oriented mindset.
• Connection Over Academics: Lisa's advice for homeschooling parents is invaluable—prioritize moments of connection and love over sheer academic achievements. Your dedication and sacrifice are more than enough for your children.

Tune in to hear more about how we can support our neurodivergent learners and help them thrive, both academically and emotionally.

Our sponsor for today’s episode is CTC Math

Links and Resources from Today’s Show

• Pre-Order - The Homeschool Advantage: A Child-Focused Approach to Raising Lifelong Learners
• Raising Lifelong Learners Membership Community - The Learners Lab
• Raising Resilient Sons by Colleen Kessler, M.Ed.
• Lisa Van Gemert's site: https://giftedguru.com
• Living Gifted: 52 Tips to Survive and Thrive in Giftedland by Lisa Van Gemert
• Managing Perfectionism | Strategies for Parents
• Perfectionism And Gifted Children: What You Need To Know
• RLL #55: Helping Your Child Manage Perfectionism
• Managing Perfectionism: 10 Tips for Helping Your Gifted Child
• Building Strong Writers at Home | Insights from Occupational Therapist Sarah Collins
• Learning Strategies for Reluctant Gifted Children
• Knowing If Your Child is Gifted
• The Social Emotional Needs Of Gifted And Neurodiverse Children
• Homeschooling Our Gifted Children: The Power Of Artful Questions
• Anxiety vs. Stress vs. Perfectionism: Helping Our Children Cope
• Homeschool Testing | Helping Your Perfectionist Do Hard Things

Connect with Lisa Van Gemert Learn more on her website: https://giftedguru.com Connect with Lisa on Instragram @TheGiftedGuru,on Facebook @GiftedGuru, or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/lisavangemert

Connect with Colleen You can find Colleen on Twitter @ColleenKessler, Facebook @RaisingLifelongLearners, Instagram @ColleenKessler How does your child learn best? Take the Quiz ==> https://raisinglifelonglearners.com/quiz/