By Veronica Fisher

Recognize Giftedness

Its true. Most parents want to believe that their kids are gifted in some way. While it may be true that different kids have different talents and intelligences, there are simply some kids who are way over the top. The foremost parenting tip is to recognize if your child is truly gifted. Attached to this parenting tip is the parenting tip on looking for the common signs. Your child may be gifted if he can finish work exceedingly faster than his peers. He may also be able to read and understand material that is not intended for his age. Your gifted child may also exhibit above average abilities in the arts or other fields.

Ask for Help

This is not necessarily next to the parenting tip of recognition. This however, may be a helpful parenting tip for parents who are unsure how to proceed or who have gifted children who are unusually difficult to handle emotionally. A suggested parenting tip is to have your child tested by professionals. You may also ask for special assistance from school counselors or ask them to recommend special ways to help your child.

Unconditional Love

Probably one key parenting tip to ensure that your gifted child grows up well adjusted is to communicate unconditional love and acceptance. You should communicate with your child and tell him that you love him for who he is and not because he can perform well in school or because he does things perfectly. While it is also a good parenting tip to show appreciation and praise for achievement, make sure that you tell your kid that you would still love him anyway even if he didnt get a perfect score or an honor ribbon.

Reality Check

A related parenting tip to unconditional love is making sure that your child knows that not everything can be perfect at all times. This is a crucial parenting tip because gifted children may easily get frustrated as grown ups when things dont always go their way.

Variety of Learning Experiences

One good parenting tip involves diversity. Gifted children may easily get bored over something theyve easily mastered. Introduce a variety of topics and learning experiences. This will give you the chance to discover his strong points of interest and keep his learning topics at a healthy balance. Part of this parenting tip is to also school your child on social matters. It may be well and good to let him watch various educational books and CDs but consider letting him join play groups. Let him socialize with other kids.

Do Not Overload

While is a good parenting tip to offer various learning experiences, it is also important not to overdo it. You may have enrolled your child in violin classes, swimming lessons, advanced math classes, reading group and a variety of other classes. You might also just be treating a child like an adult with so many responsibilities. We all know its not pleasant to be overloaded so go easy on your kid. Remember, your child is still essentially a child so let him enjoy a little play and childish relaxation.

For more of Veronica Fishers FREE parenting advice and tips, please visit her site at www.parentingadvicetips.info.

By Fiona Lohrenz

Mom Start gently preparing your child in advance mentioning what a great adventure day care will be with lots of friends and games. Keep it low key though do not overdo it as this could overwhelm your child. Provider You could provide mom with first names of children and carers at the day care and suggest role playing with dolls so everything is not completely strange on that first day.

Mom should try to foster independence in the weeks preceding with visits to friends, washing own hands etc and providers should be sure to encourage mom and child to visit the day care a couple of times before starting allowing the child to absorb the environment.

Mom should be sure to have everything packed for the day e.g. snacks, change of clothes, comfort toys and ensure everything is labelled. Be sure and have monies paid and forms completed before the big day so you are not distracted by these tasks. Have lots of time to get ready the morning of the big day with a good breakfast and some chat about the great adventure ahead. Carers should have an extra person on hand when a new child is starting so that one person can focus on distracting and comforting the new child. It is also advisable to have the child start at a time when everyone is settled into their morning activities I wouldnt recommend first thing in the morning when the flurry of activity could be upsetting for the new child.

Allow the child to help pack his bag and carry it. When you arrive at the day care walk your child in holding his hand, do not carry him. Providers should insist on this therefore avoiding the peeling child off the parent scenario.

All day cares should have a settling in period where the child will stay for gradually longer periods of time. Facilitate the moms so they can be around but discourage too much mom involvement. This is where mom needs to take a back seat and observe rather than interact. Provide one on one support for the child. He may just want to sit and observe for a while eventually venturing into a group to participate or play alone with a toy. Let him go at his own pace. When mom leaves, distract him immediately ushering him off to some exciting activity.

Mom,the first day of settling in you will probably stay in the room, allowing your child to do his own thing but remaining in sight. Gauge his reactions perhaps stepping out of the room momentarily explaining that you are making a phone call and are just in the hall. Allow the staff to distract your child and observe from a distance (obviously, do not let him see you). When the time comes for you to sit in the car or go for a coffee say, bye mom will see you later, positively with a quick kiss and leave the room. If your child cries do not look back, remember, once you are out of sight the child will stop crying shortly and will be distracted by play and activities.

It is very important to establish this drop off routine from day one. Firm and consistent is key with children. Communication and understanding between parents and providers will make for a smooth and enjoyable transition for the child. Now, moms, enjoy your cup of coffee in peace!!! Providers enjoy your new little personality!

Fiona Lohrenz has been running her own day care for the past 10 years and is the founder of a childcare website that offers articles and resources for child care providers and parents. She has also produced Start a ChildCare Business DVD. Fiona can be reached at her website here: http://www.childcareonly.com