Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students



Finally, my long awaited review (I gave you a sample several months ago when it was first released) of Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students! Although I was privileged to receive an advanced copy, I have received no other incentives to review it. I simply believe that this book will make your life as the parent of a gifted child a whole lot easier.

From author Christine Fonseca, it is the kind of book that you read … fall in love with … hope there is a sequel (there is) … want to give as a gift to every teacher, school psychologist, and guidance counselor who has ever come in contact with your child … wish it had been available 5, 10, 15 years ago (depending on how old your kids are) … and keep on your nightstand for easy reference at the end of the day. YES, it’s that kind of book! Have I read it? Yep. Have I read it more than once? Yep. Have I purchased extra copies for gifts? You betcha!

So, why am I such a fan of this book? Christine Fonseca is not the first person to write about the intense emotions displayed by gifted children, but this book is different. For starters, the author is the parent of two gifted kids. A+ She works as a school psychologist. A+ And, beyond that, she is a hell of a writer … intelligent, engaging, and practical! Need I say more? Why, yes I do!

Perhaps the subtitle of this book is the most revealing reason why it is so important for gifted parents to read – Helping Kids Cope with Explosive Feelings. If your child is not in school yet, you may not have encountered the full force of their potential explosive feelings. But, don’t worry … you will! And when it happens, you’ll be thanking me for telling you about this book.

Is your little dear a perfectionist? Does he or she exhibit extreme mood swings? How about under performing in school when you know they know it? Do you know how to help them manage the stress? Enter Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students. This book will help you answer all these questions and more.

So, what actually sets this book apart from the others? Besides being a good read, Ms. Fonseca includes ‘worksheets’, ‘tip sheets’ and ‘checklists’ for parents as well as ‘notes to the teacher’ throughout the book. She presents strategies that are tried and true. The book is divided into 3 sections – What it Really Means to be Gifted; Great Information, Now What?; and Being Your Child’s Coach – Specific Strategies.

After 19 years of gifted parenting, I thought I pretty much knew it all. I was so wrong and I learned so much from reading this book! Now that my children are almost grown, I intend to use what I’ve learned to help other parents.

Did I mention the sequel? Why, yes I did in paragraph 2. Coming soon, 101 Success Secrets for Gifted Kids, is intended for your kids. To save time and the angst that may occur should it sell out repeatedly as has Emotional Intensity, may I suggest that you pre-order it along with this book! Trust me … read the book!