Isn't an IQ of 120 about 90%? An IQ that high is probably high enough to get good grades without trying very hard and do well in AP courses with studying, but avoid many of the downfalls that the gifted children run into in school. It is high enough that children with that IQ should be able to pursue almost any path they want, if they are willing to work.

But the article isn't about gifted children versus non-gifted, just the fact that the parents are pushing their children to succeed.

Parents do push too much these days, but they are doing it because they are trying to help their children succeed with the end result being a "good" job and a lifestyle similar to the one they had growing up, if that is what the child wants.

The problem is that the world has changed dramatically since most of the parents went to college, and the path to sucess is much more difficult than it used to be. There are fewer white collar jobs, and it is much harder to get hired. Many of the parents have learned this the hard way during the recession, or have seen what happens to their friend's children as they try to enter the workforce.

It has definitely gotten out of control. Unfortunately, I do understand not wanting to have one's child be the "test case" to see if "pulling back" and taking fewer honors classes, going to a less well-known school or college, etc. makes a difference in the outcome of their life.

That being said, we are trying very hard to keep from falling into that trap.




Last edited by momoftwins; 04/01/14 07:36 AM.