The Drama of the Gifted Child

Synopsis

Why are many of the most successful people plagued by feelings of emptiness and alienation? This wise and profound book has provided thousands of readers with an answer,and has helped them to apply it to their own lives.Far too many of us had to learn as children to hide our own feelings, needs, and memories skillfully in order to meet our parents' expectations and win their "love." Alice Miller writes, "When I used the word 'gifted' in the title, I had in mind neither children who receive high grades in school nor children talented in a special way. I simply meant all of us who have survived an abusive childhood thanks to an ability to adapt even to unspeakable cruelty by becoming numb, Without this 'gift' offered us by nature, we would not have survived." But merely surviving is not enough. The Drama of the Gifted Child helps us to reclaim our life by discovering our own crucial needs and our own truth.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Origins of the Drama

* Explores the psychological and emotional roots of the drama, including overprotectiveness, excessive praise, and unrealistic expectations.
* Example: A child who excels academically is constantly praised and rewarded for their accomplishments, which creates a sense of pressure to maintain their status.

Chapter 2: The Drama in Childhood

* Describes the child's emotional experiences and conflicts, such as anxiety, perfectionism, and feelings of isolation.
* Example: A child with musical talent becomes anxious and withdrawn when they fail to achieve a perfect performance.

Chapter 3: The Drama in Adolescence

* Examines the challenges faced by gifted children during adolescence, including identity formation, relationships, and social stigma.
* Example: A teenager who struggles with social anxiety may withdraw from activities and relationships, leading to feelings of loneliness.

Chapter 4: The Drama in Adulthood

* Discusses the impact of the drama on gifted adults, including career, relationships, and mental health.
* Example: An adult who was the "golden child" in their family may experience difficulty forming healthy relationships as they struggle to meet the expectations placed on them.

Chapter 5: The Drama in the Family

* Explores the dynamics within families of gifted children, including sibling relationships, parental struggles, and the impact of parental expectations.
* Example: A sibling of a gifted child may feel overshadowed and resentful, leading to conflict within the family.

Chapter 6: The Drama in the Classroom

* Examines the challenges and opportunities presented to gifted children in the school environment.
* Example: A bored and unchallenged student may act out in class or withdraw from learning, frustrating both the teacher and the student.

Chapter 7: The Drama in the Community

* Discusses the role of the community in supporting or hindering the development of gifted children.
* Example: A community that lacks resources for gifted children may limit their potential and create a sense of isolation.

Chapter 8: The Drama in the Arts

* Explores the unique challenges and opportunities faced by gifted children in the arts, such as creativity, perfectionism, and the need for recognition.
* Example: A young artist who is highly sensitive to criticism may struggle to develop their skills and share their work with the world.

Chapter 9: The Drama in Therapy

* Examines the role of therapy in helping gifted children and adults overcome the challenges of the drama.
* Example: A therapist may help a gifted child understand their feelings of anxiety and develop coping mechanisms.

Chapter 10: The Drama in Society

* Discusses the broader implications of the drama of the gifted child for society, including the importance of recognizing and supporting giftedness and the need for a more inclusive and equitable world.
* Example: A lack of understanding of giftedness can lead to discrimination and missed opportunities for talented individuals.