Your gifted child deserves to be understood, not fixed.
I help parents of children aged 2–12 gain clarity, calm, and confidence
by understanding who their child really is — before labels, pressure, or diagnosis.
Your child doesn't need fixing.
They need to be understood.
🎁 2 free ebooks that could change how you see your child — yours immediately
Does this sound familiar?
You may recognize yourself here:
My child seems bright, but struggles at school
My child feels frustrated, angry, withdrawn, or overwhelmed
I feel worried, confused, and unsure what step to take next
Teachers mention language issues or social difficulties
I've been advised to consider psychological evaluation
I wonder if I'm overreacting — or not doing enough
👉 You're not alone.
And your child isn’t “broken” they may just need the right kind of support.
Why gifted expat children are so often misunderstood
Many expat children are not failing — they are being misinterpreted.
Language Load
Thinking, feeling, and learning in a second language requires enormous mental energy. Your child may understand far more than he/she can express.
→ This is often mistaken for a lack of ability or comprehension.
Cultural Norms
Different cultures value different behaviors: quietness, sensitivity, emotional expression, independence.
→ What is normal at home may be misunderstood at school.
Peer Mismatch
Gifted and sensitive children often struggle to find peers at the same emotional or cognitive level.
→ This can lead to loneliness, frustration, and feeling "different."
Understanding them brings relief.
Supporting them brings transformation.
What parents and children truly want
After clarity and support, families experience:
A child who feels happy, confident, and understood
Parents who feel calm, grounded, and reassured
Less frustration and emotional overload
More trust in the child's unique pace and development
A home with more peace and connection
Understanding changes everything.
Our clarity-first approach
We don't rush to fix. We begin by understanding.
Step 1
Clarity & insight
We look at the whole picture:
- Emotional development
- Giftedness and sensitivity
- Environmental and cultural context
- Parent–child dynamics
No labels. No judgment. No pressure.
Step 2
Child & parent coaching
Based on insight, we support:
- Emotional regulation and self-understanding for the child
- Confidence, perspective, and peace of mind for parents
Always tailored. Always respectful of who your child is.
Meet the expert behind Little Swans
Ylva De Kort
Director of Little Swans
As a mother of two and an educational expert with over 25 years of experience, I deeply understand the challenges of parenting and the concerns you have about your child's growth.
Drawing on my experience with countless children—from those who are developmentally advanced to those requiring extra care—I provide solutions tailored specifically to your child's unique temperament.
Through warm observation and professional coaching, I will help your child happily blossom and reach their full potential, both in school and in the world.
Professional degrees
- MDGO-SPW
- SPH
- Expert Ontwikkelingsvoorsprong
- Professioneel Pedagogisch Coach
Certifications
- Taaltoets Nederlands
- Piramide
- de Trein van Boos naar Middel
- Logopedie en VVE
- Meertaligheid op de POV
- VVE thuis
- Baby sign language
"Parents often come to me after being told something is 'wrong.' My role is to slow things down — and help families see clearly again."
"I help parents understand what their child truly needs, so they can move forward with clarity and confidence."
You don't have to do this alone
Raising a child abroad can feel isolating — especially when your child is misunderstood.
We offer more than coaching:
A safe, judgment-free space for parents
Guidance when additional professionals are needed
Support in navigating schools and systems
Connection to understanding perspectives
You are not failing.
You are seeking understanding.
"Ylva is more than a coach — she became the lighthouse of my parenting. I truly believed something was wrong with my child, or that I was failing as a parent. Through her guidance, I finally understand my child, and our home feels calm again."
— Henny Kim, mother of a 5-year-old
"I finally understand my child, and our home feels calm again. I used to believe something was wrong with my child — or with me. Ylva helped me see his giftedness clearly. Now I support him with confidence, and our relationship is stronger than ever."
— Jay Park, father of a 5-year-old
📚 The first step isn't a diagnosis. It's understanding. Receive 2 free guides when you book.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from expat families
Your child doesn't need to change who they are.
They need someone to truly understand them.
📚 Receive 2 complimentary guides — your starting point to truly knowing your gifted child.