Parents of academically gifted children can encounter a range of specific
difficulties with the education system, professional services, family and friends. These
increase the stress parents experience. Fewer social support structures are available to
parents from either the education system or the rest of the community. This research
explored the nature and usefulness of support for parents of gifted children in the western
region of Melbourne. First, by means of interviews with parents and second, through the
development of a self-help/mutual aid support group. Twenty three parents (16 mothers
and seven fathers) were interviewed. The data gathered from the interviews and the
observational notes from the group were analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological
Analysis (IPA). The findings indicated that parents’ well-being was adversely affected by
different stressors from those usually experienced by other parents. Stressors such as the
additional needs of their gifted children, the difficulties encountered with schools,
educational policies, and the negative attitudes of giftedness in the wider community. The
stress experienced was exacerbated by a lack of social and educational support together
with the social stigma of being a parent of a gifted child. Parents reported major
frustrations from their unmet social and emotional needs, which often resulted in them
being isolated from others. To address this need, an informal support group was
established. The support group is considered successful by its longevity and the formation
of a sub-group and further proposed sub-groups. It is recommended more support groups
be established to address support shortcomings in the western region of Melbourne. This
helped to empower parents by providing networks of support and information, and assist
with the promotion of psychosocial wellness for parents of gifted children and their
families.