ABSTRACT
Parents and families can be powerful allies when provided appropriate opportunities to learn about their gifted children's needs and ways in which educators work to meet those needs. Parents are in desperate need of basic information in order to not only better understand their children, but also advocate more effectively for them. This chapter assists educators in supporting parents and families of gifted children. It provides research-based information on myths, advocacy, strategies and techniques for educators to use with parents, whether they are used through a parent meeting, a mini-course, or through print information. Professional learning for educators differs from professional learning for parents in several ways. Parents cannot successfully advocate for their children unless they know the vital information. The most intensive strategy is to create a formal class structure for the professional learning, similar to a high school or university night class.
