I really appreciate all the replies. This is FANTASTIC. The recommendations on perfectionism seem really apt. I agree people-pleasing can hold people back. I'm a people-pleaser, too, to an extent, but I think DD got it on both sides, and she's more mellow than I am.


I also just wanted to clarify that I didn't mean "malcontents" disparagingly or anything. I just know as a kid I came home and told my parents, flat out, that school was boring because "they won't let me learn." That kind of thing made me easy to spot, giftedness-wise.

I agree, just because someone is acting happy at school doesn't mean she shouldn't be taught to her level. Not only the dissatisfied kids deserve a challenge...

This site needs a "like" button. :-)