The paper explores the role of parents and the nuclear family in optimal development of gifted preschool children. The family helps the child accomplish basic developmental tasks by adapting to the child's critical needs and interests in appropriate ways. While stimulating academic skills is important, affective education to aid the acquisition of confidence and self-worth is the family's major role. The child's conflicts in the areas of trust or mistrust and autonomy or shame/doubt must be resolved. Stimulation of language development has direct effects on development of thought processes. Self-confidence is built through parental warmth, respectful treatment, and clearly defined limits. Parents can demonstrate their acceptance and support through interest in the child, helping him or her to work through negative feelings, and participating in joint activities. (DB)