Author: Norma Hafenstein

Norma Hafenstein

Dr. Norma Hafenstein resides in Denver, Colorado. During her doctoral work in 1984, Norma founded the University Center for Gifted Young Children, which subsequently became the Ricks Center for Gifted Children. Norma directed the school for 29 years and in 1997 founded the Institute for the Development of Gifted Education which she continues to direct. She is currently the Ricks Endowed Chair for Gifted Education in the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver where she teaches graduate courses in gifted education. Her research in the areas of young gifted children, gifted girls and cognitive processing has led to multiple publications and honors.

100 Words of Wisdom

100 Words of Wisdom: Norma Hafenstein

Norma Hafenstein emphasizes that supporting gifted children requires parents to acknowledge and nurture their own intensities, sensitivities, and perspectives. By caring for themselves—allowing emotions, channeling feelings into compassion, and sharing joy or standing in grief—parents model healthy behavior, giving children the gift of self-care.

Norma Hafenstein January 23, 2014