Julie Warriner, Gifted Youth Coordinator
Mar 15, 2026
What happens when you stop filling every moment — and just let your gifted child be? In the final chapter of our conversation with Dr. Michelle Sukenik, we explore the quiet power of unstructured time, the challenge of finding true peers, and why Mensa offers something the classroom simply can't. Sometimes, the most powerful thing a parent can do... is nothing at all.
In this final installment of our Q&A series, Dr. Michelle Sukenik shares her thoughts on the art of stepping back — and why giving gifted children the gift of unstructured time might be one of the most powerful things a parent can do. She also reflects on what a community like Mensa offers that the classroom simply can't.
We've spent the last two months exploring giftedness through Dr. Sukenik's dual lens as both a school counselor and a Mensa parent — from the emotional complexity beneath the high IQ to the creativity that quietly powers these remarkable kids. In this final installment, Dr. Sukenik brings us home with something beautifully simple: the case for doing less, being more, and the irreplaceable value of finding your people.
What’s one simple way parents can support their gifted child’s well-being without over-managing or over-scheduling?
If you have ever attended one of my Coffee Chats, you’ve heard me introduce the idea that we have created 'human doings' in place of 'human beings.' I am not suggesting that this is intentional or even necessarily a bad thing; it is simply how I perceive our children today. Gifted youth are often over-scheduled, moving relentlessly from one activity to the next and taking on challenges that grow increasingly more rigorous. Don’t get me wrong—these kids are asking for it, even begging for it—and how can we deny them?
It’s all about validating their curiosity while helping them find balance. There is great value in children learning the skills to navigate boredom. As a parent, this suggestion might seem daunting; the endless refrains of 'I’m bored' and 'there’s nothing to do' can feel impossible to manage.
However, that’s exactly the point: we don't have to navigate this for them. Instead, we can allow these brilliant children to figure it out themselves. By stepping back, we empower them to use their intelligence and creativity to fill their unstructured time. It’s okay if they feel a little uncomfortable at first. For a gifted child, it is essential to create the space for them to simply 'be.'
In our house, having this space leads to learning new instruments and taking long walks. When my kids get bored, they end up working together to compose a song, create a new recipe or tackle a challenging math problem. By supporting my gifted children, I am creating time for good old-fashioned board games—the ones where they always out-strategize me—and, most importantly, the chance to simply be together and connect.
What do you think gifted kids gain from being part of a community like Mensa that they might not always find in school?
Gifted children navigate a diverse educational landscape, from public and private schools to homeschooling and faith-based programs. Yet, regardless of the classroom setting, one hurdle remains constant: finding like-minded peers who crave knowledge with the same intensity can be a significant challenge.
Mensa bridges the gap by connecting children with a network of peers who share their intellectual passions and creative abilities. Through this community, Mensans can gain a window into the lives of other gifted youth, they can see how their peers spend their time—whether traveling to far corners of the world or creating masterpieces from popsicle sticks.
Furthermore, Mensa provides a dedicated space for gifted children and their families to connect, exchange ideas, and find insightful support. From philanthropic initiatives like beach cleanups to cultural excursions at the Flagler Museum, Mensa is a community built on shared experiences where gifted children from all walks of life can truly be themselves.
About Dr. Michelle Sukenik
Dr. Michelle Sukenik, Psy.D., LMHC, serves as Head of School Counseling at American Heritage Schools and is a Palm Beach Area Mensa parent. As both a counselor and a mother of four, she brings a deeply personal and professional perspective to supporting gifted children and their families. She also sits on the board of the Boys & Girls Clubs and is a lifelong supporter of creativity and the arts.