Parent advocacy has always been crucial to the success of gifted children, but parent advocacy can be a double-edged sword if it becomes oppositional. Children can copy oppositional patterns and decide to pick and choose when they are willing to put forth effort based on their interpretations of parent attitudes and behaviors. Parents don't deliberately intend opposition, but children are watching. Diplomatic strategies, respect, and sensitivity are crucial for parents’ successful advocacy. Case examples demonstrate both respectful and oppositional advocacy and their outcomes. Strategies and questions are discussed.