Creating strength-based-talent-focused home environments to support the growth and well-being of complex and creative children

Paper

Complex and creative children have traits that are impacted by context and this can cause new traits to emerge (Reis et al., 2014). When contexts are psychologically safe and supportive of their asynchronous strengths, interests, and needs, these children experience well-being and positive growth (Ryan & Deci, 2017; Tetreault, 2021; Baum et al., 2017). Using Self-Determination Theory’s three psychological needs helps to build psychologically safe environments that encourage the usage of strengths, (Ryan & Deci, 2017; Baum et al., 2017), including creativity, a known strength in complex children (Baum & Owen, 1988; Fugate et al., 2013). A multi-disciplinary approach helps to better understand the intersectionality of complex strengths, interests, needs, and creativity. Parents can use multi-disciplinary, research, and strength-based strategies in home environments that support the positive growth of their asynchronous complex, and creative children as well (Ritchotte & Zaghlawan, 2019; Reis & Renzulli, 2021). This session will discuss research and strength-based strategies that can be customized to meet the personalized strengths, interests, and needs of complex and creative children as well as ways to build supportive home environments (Waters, 2017, 2018; Olszewski-Kubilius et al., 2014; Kaufman & Beghetto, 2009; Ryan & Deci, 2017).